Design and cost details have been unveiled for a planned US$2.54bn bridge over the Fraser River in British Columbia (BC), Canada.
Transportation and infrastructure minister Todd Stone said it will be the largest bridge ever built in British Columbia. At about 3km long, it will be 65% longer than the Port Mann Bridge, and 32% longer than the Alex Fraser.
Stone released details of the project to replace the George Massey Tunnel and launched the third phase of consultation. The newly published details include a project definition report and an image of the conceptual design, showing a cable-stayed section over the river. There will be four general travel lanes in each direction as well as one for public transport and high-occupancy vehicles.
“The new bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel will improve highway safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary idling, and save rush-hour commuters up to 30 minutes a day,” said Stone. He added that, when completed, it will address what is now the worst traffic bottleneck in the province and bring travel-time reliability to one of the most important transportation corridors.
The current tunnel is nearing its end of life, and no longer meets modern standards for seismic safety.
The third phase of public consultation will continue to 28 January 2016. Following completion of the consultation, the ministry will finalise the project scope and cost estimate, and submit the project application for environmental review. Construction is expected to begin in 2017.
