Dear Editor,
Linda Reid, Liberal candidate, has stated that she thinks her constituents would prefer to be on the newly constructed bridge than in the Massey tunnel in the event of an earthquake, especially if the predicted “big one” occurs. I, for one, would prefer not to be in either. However, I would like to know why the Liberals insist the tunnel does not meet seismic standards.
We, B.C. taxpayers, paid $22 million for a seismic refit to the tunnel in 2004-2006. An early warning system called ShakeAlarm was installed and commissioned in 2009. This is designed to close the gates at either end of the tunnel so that no one can enter if a dangerous quake is inbound, and those already inside can exit as normal before shaking begins.
Minister Kevin Falcon, another Liberal, stated the seismic improvements would allow the bridge to be used for another 50 years. Now the Liberals state that although the tunnel remains safe for users, it does not meet modern seismic standards.
Frank Suto stated in his letter to the editor that boreholes, drilled to depths of more than 1,000 feet, revealed nothing but sand and silt. Even if they can work out technology to allow them to reach a rock base for the 500-plus feet towers, the surrounding soil would most likely liquify in the event of an earthquake. It might not even take “the big one.”
Although construction on the bridge was officially to begin April 5, they have not stated how far down the contractors will need to drill to hit bedrock. Needless to say, we may experience cost overrides to the estimated 3.5 billion dollars.
Rae Nix
Richmond
