Phase 2 of consultation on the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project begins next week, following today's release of a report summarizing Phase 1 consultation.

More than 1,100 people participated in Phase 1: Understanding the Need, which sought to gain a better understanding of current travel needs and design considerations for developing replacement options. The three-week consultation period (Dec. 1 to 19, 2012) included online engagement, nine stakeholder meetings and five open houses.

More than 80 per cent of respondents identified congestion reduction as the most important factor to consider in developing replacement options. Currently, rush hour queues can extend from 1.5 to 5 kilometres, which wastes valuable time for commuters and commercial users.

The role of the Massey Tunnel in supporting economic growth was identified as another key consideration, particularly given the importance of North Delta and Richmond commercial and industrial areas, in support of Asia-Pacific Gateway trade.

The George Massey Tunnel is a key component of the regional and provincial transportation system, carrying more than 80,000 vehicles each day. It connects to important trade gateways, like Vancouver International Airport, the Peace Arch border crossing, the BC Ferries terminal at Tsawwassen and the Deltaport container terminal.

Transportation alternatives, such as provisions for transit, cycling and pedestrians were identified as the third most important consideration.

Community and stakeholder input provided an in-depth understanding of the importance of this crossing, with a significant number of respondents indicating they use the Massey Tunnel four times per week or more.

Phase 2: Exploring the Options, builds on community and stakeholder feedback from Phase 1 and seeks input on potential tunnel replacement scenarios and the criteria to evaluate these scenarios. Consultation begins on March 11, 2013 and includes online engagement, stakeholder meetings and three open houses in Delta, Surrey and Richmond.

Phase 2 consultation materials, including descriptions of the potential replacement scenarios and an online feedback form, will be available on March 11 at: www.masseytunnel.ca

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak -

"The George Massey Tunnel sits on one of our most important goods movement routes, which helps fuel our national, provincial and regional economies. It's also a key access point for commuters and businesses in Delta and Richmond. Improving this crossing will enhance our region's economy, and help make B.C. more competitive in Asia-Pacific trade."

Delta Mayor Lois Jackson -

"This gathering of public input is an important step toward a replacement for the George Massey Tunnel, and it's encouraging to see so many people participating in the process. Congestion at the tunnel is impacting our quality of life here in Delta, as well our economy, and I'm supportive and appreciative of the B.C. government's process to plan for a replacement."

Quick Facts:

• The four-lane George Massey Tunnel opened in 1959.
• The counter-flow system was put in place in 1981.
• In addition to being a significant commuting route, it is a fundamental component of the north/south corridor to the U.S. border and east/west corridor to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
• The tunnel now serves more than 80,000 vehicles a day, and is the only major crossing of the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver with a single lane of traffic in the off-peak direction.

Learn More:

The George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project Phase 1 consultation summary report is available online at: www.masseytunnel.ca

Find out more about the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project at: www.masseytunnel.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

BACKGROUNDER

George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project Phase 2 Consultation Open Houses

Phase 2 of the public and stakeholder consultation program begins March 11, 2013, and includes a variety of methods for the public and stakeholders to be involved and provide input, including online engagement, stakeholder meetings and three public open houses. The deadline for input into the second phase of consultation is April 2, 2013.

Richmond - Wednesday, March 13
Richmond Oval
6111 River Rd., Richmond
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Surrey - Thursday, March 14
Sullivan Hall
6306 - 152nd St., Surrey
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 16
Coast Tsawwassen Inn
1665 56 St., Delta
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241