Work will get underway this November to lengthen the northbound Steveston off-ramp on Highway 99, which will improve the flow of traffic exiting the Massey Tunnel northbound.

The Massey Tunnel/Steveston Highway northbound off-ramp will be lengthened by approximately 650 metres to 1,100 metres, increasing the off-ramp's vehicle capacity. This will help alleviate congestion on the highway by removing more cars from the Highway 99 queue.

A $1.2-million contract has been awarded to Jacob Bros. Construction of Surrey for the work. Construction is expected to begin in early November, with completion scheduled for May 2014.

This is an interim measure to improve safety and reduce Highway 99 congestion for motorists at this location until the replacement for the Massey Tunnel is completed.

The existing tunnel has about 10 years of useful life remaining before major components will need to be completely replaced. Engineering and technical work is underway to develop a project scope and business case for a new bridge to replace the tunnel, along with associated Highway 99 corridor improvements. Construction will begin in 2017.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"During our consultation on this project in the year since the George Massey Tunnel replacement was first announced, we heard that this improvement was a high priority for the short term. It will provide some relief for the 80,000 vehicles per day that use this crossing while we work on the permanent solution."

"The new bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel will improve access and travel times for commuters and transit, and open the corridor up to future rapid transit options. There has been a tremendous amount of consultation on this project to date, and we're committed to further consultation as the project moves forward."

Learn More:

Get the facts on the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project at: http://bit.ly/16PTD3C

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

A rendering of a bridge on the Highway 99 corridor is available at: http://ow.ly/p2aS3

An animated video flyover is available at: http://ow.ly/p2bix

Contact:

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