By Ashley Karen
The British Columbia Government declared that an RFQ (request for qualifications) is allocated to substitute the ageing George Massey Tunnel with a new eight-lane, toll-free immersed tube tunnel.
Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, stated: “This is a major milestone in the project to replace the George Massey Tunnel.”
He added: “We are making significant progress on this important project that will improve travel times and transit options for people who live on both sides of the Fraser River.”
The Fraser River Tunnel Project (formerly the George Massey Tunnel Replacement) ranks No. 19 on ReNew’s 2023 Top100 Projects report.
Following the RFQ, the Province will publish an RFP (request for proposals) from a shortlist of eligible teams to choose a single proponent to move forward in the procurement process.
Concurrently, the project is advancing via the province’s environmental assessment process. Already, corridor improvements and building a new five-lane Steveston Interchange are ongoing.
The new crossing will be an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel with three general-purpose travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction.
In addition, the new tunnel will have bike and pedestrian crossings to support active transportation options in the region. Nonetheless, the project incorporates replacing the current Deas Slough Bridge plus adding a southbound general-purpose lane on Highway 99 between Westminster Highway in Richmond and Highway 17 in Delta.
With the new tunnel and methods, unlike the current average of 30 kilometers per hour, travel will flow satisfactorily at 80 kilometers per hour.
Similar to the Steveston Interchange, the project will be built under a project labor agreement. The agreement will support local jobs, apprentices and training opportunities, plus maximize the participation of groups under-represented in the construction sector.
A new connection for transit buses between Highway 99 southbound and Bridgeport Road has commenced, saving transit users minutes on their southbound trips. Moreover, new bus-on-shoulder lanes south of the tunnel are under construction, which will enhance travel times and increase the transit’s reliability along the corridor.
The measured cost of the George Massey Crossing immersed tube tunnel is reported to be roughly $4.15 billion.
