A new eight-lane immersed-tube tunnel will replace the crossing of the Fraser River on Highway 99. It is due to come into operation in 2030, with the cost estimated at US$3.3 billion. Two of the eight lanes will be dedicated for bus rapid transit, and there will be separated pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.

George Massey Tunnel

Two options were presented in the business case – an eight-lane tunnel and eight-lane bridge.

The province said that both options were given serious consideration. It said that the tunnel was chosen as the best option, because it:

  • best meets regional vision/interests, as endorsed by the Metro Vancouver Board; 
  • limits any new visual, noise, shading and lighting impacts over the life of the structure;
  • has the fewest impacts to agricultural land and will not introduce new navigational restrictions to the Fraser River;
  • allows for work to start immediately on the bottleneck areas of the Highway 99 corridor;
  • best facilitates the movement of trucks and cyclists with a much lower overall elevation change; and
  • provides protection from inclement weather for everyone who uses the crossing.