The Editor,
The fate of the George Massey Tunnel is of special interest to all Richmond residents.
Not all the traffic that uses this route passes through Richmond on Highway 91. Much of this traffic also uses Richmond surface roads and therefore impacts our ability as residents to move around our community efficiently and in safety.
For Richmond residents it is also a key access point as we commute off the island and for Richmond businesses moving goods and ser-vices to the south.
The tunnel users face significant traffic congestion. The existing crossing is over capacity during the morning and afternoon rush hours, and near capacity throughout the day.
Constructing another crossing or upgrading the tunnel will be a costly and disruptive process and we need to be sure it will address our challenges and meet future needs.
Kudos to government for beginning planning now by consulting with residents and other users and committing to address this transportation and infrastructure issue.
More than 1,100 people participated in phase one of the consultation, which focused on developing an understanding of user needs, challenges and the importance of the crossing. Phase two of the consultation is beginning now.
Five options to upgrade this crossing are under consideration and we need to make our voices heard.
Participate in the conversation!
Maureen McDermid Richmond
