The 4.8km bridge is part of a vital link in region. Six basic alternatives for the corridor are being studied, including no-build and bridge rehabilitation alternatives, as well as bridge replacement scenarios that would add a transit component to the corridor.
The new plan calls for splitting the environmental review process into two parts and expanding public outreach initiatives in the initial planning phases. "Splitting the project review into distinct parts will enable us to better focus our efforts," said commissioner Astrid Glynn. "Continuing to expand community involvement and stakeholder outreach early on will allow the project to proceed quickly in its later stages."
Work on highway and bridge improvements could begin up to five years sooner than with a single environmental impact statement. This is estimated to save US$500 million or more each year in project costs.
