Dear Editor,
I have heard all sorts of concerns about the bridge replacement for the Massey tunnel.
Some are valid, like what happens to the traffic in Richmond after it crosses the bridge. Are there replacements or additions planned for the Oak St. or Knight St. bridges?
Will the Fraser Street Bridge make a comeback? I am skeptical that the bulk of traffic from south of the river terminates in Richmond.
Other concerns are...strange. It’s unclear why anyone on Richmond council would be concerned with traffic diverting to the Alex Fraser bridge?
There is no doubt that, given current traffic patterns and volume, the George Massey Tunnel is inadequate
But what about 10 years from now? If the predictions are correct, the most common vehicles on the roads will be self-driven.
This means that volume of traffic will decrease substantially from what it is today as there will be less need to own a car that sits idle for 90 per cent of the time.
The bridge construction will be complete about five years from now at a projected cost in excess of $3 billion (that’s billion with a “B”) and an expected service life in excess of 50 years.
Who knows how many people will be driving in 10 years, never mind 50.
I look forward to my current vehicle being the last I own.
R. Pekarek
Richmond
