Dear Editor,
The letter in the June 23 edition by Bob Orrick, from Delta, regarding the need for a bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel is one person’s opinion (and extremely territorial).
I was born in 1927 and recall the difficult times our family had in crossing the Fraser and know of the details of early pioneers crossing the river in a row boat.
Later, there was a small ferry that carried 35 cars and many times we were lined up from Steveston Highway to the river waiting for the ferries.
It was with a great sense of relief that the Massey Tunnel opened in 1969.
This tunnel has served us well and it is my opinion that to twin the tunnel would be a great decision, rather than build a bridge.
Also, I feel that even with a new crossing, the congestion that occurs at the tunnel would cause line-ups at the other end, entering Vancouver.
At the north end of Richmond, there were two quaint bridges to go into Vancouver; one bridge leading from Richmond to Sea Island and the other crossing from Sea Island to Hudson Street in Vancouver.
There were frequent bridge closures when barges would bump into the bridges and make them inoperable.
It was certainly a blessing to have the Oak Street Bridge and the Arthur Laing Bridge built.
The Massey Tunnel was a wonderful addition to improving traffic south of the Fraser.
In my opinion, it would be a great help to twin the tunnel.
The improvements I have observed in my lifetime, 1927 to the present day, are tremendous and I hope these improvements continue.
It is my hope that Mr. Orrick and Delta Mayor Lois Jackson will find that there are other citizen opinions that are relevant.
Geraldine Wray
Richmond
