Dear Editor,
“Why replace the Massey tunnel when it just moves the problem to the Oak Street Bridge?”
This is a common battle cry of those (including your mayor) who are ignorant of a very real problem and who don’t pass through the tunnel on a daily basis.
For a moment, let’s follow your ill-informed logic, shall we?
If the total traffic north-bound through the tunnel is not the bottleneck and is, in fact, holding traffic back just enough so that the Oak Street Bridge does not get lined up, then how come traffic is lined up coming south in the afternoon?
Think about it. You say improving the tunnel crossing will only move the problem to the Oak Street Bridge, but what about those coming from west and east on Steveston highway looking to go south?
How about those coming from the Knight Street Bridge, Westminster Highway (west and east), Highway 91, Sea Island Way, and the airport going to Seattle?
Yes, we never hear about that side of things, do we?
Why?
I’ll tell you why, because it does not support your narrative that improving the tunnel is a waste of time, money, and effort.
Here is another question for you: If one of the reasons for the lineups are just that there are too many commuters, then why is it that some of the worst times to travel the tunnel is 10 a.m. (north) and 2 p.m. (south)?
Don’t tell me there are a lot of people working from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (If so, I want one of those jobs.)
The reality is that there are many different destinations after you pass through the tunnel, north or south, and many roads to get you to your destination once the crossing is made.
Every one of those feeder routes leads to or from the tunnel; that’s why it is called a bottleneck.
I’m not saying a new bridge is the answer, but at least it’s one solution to a very real problem.
James Rogers
Ladner
