B.C. issues RFQ for $4B Massey Tunnel replacement project
The eight-lane tunnel is expected to significantly increase mobility in the region.
A rendering shows plans to replace the George Massey Tunnel. – Province of B.C.
Key Takeaways:
- The project is expected to cost $4.15 billion.
- Concurrently, the project is progressing through the province’s environmental assessment process.
- Once the tunnel is completed, travel is expected to flow at 80 kilometres per hour, unlike the current average of 30 kilometres per hour.
The Whole Story:
A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to replace the 64-year-old George Massey Tunnel with a new eight-lane, toll-free immersed tube tunnel.
“This is a major milestone in the project to replace the George Massey Tunnel,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “We are making significant progress on this important project that will improve travel times and transit options for people who live on both sides of the Fraser River.”
Following the RFQ, the province says it will issue a request for proposals (RFP) from a shortlist of qualified teams to select a single proponent to move forward in the procurement process. Concurrently, the project is progressing through the province’s environmental assessment process. Corridor improvements and construction of a new five-lane Steveston Interchange are already underway.
The new crossing will be an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel with three general-purpose travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction. The new tunnel will have bike and pedestrian crossings to support active transportation options in the region. The project also includes replacing the existing Deas Slough Bridge as well as the addition of a southbound general-purpose lane on Highway 99 between Westminster Highway in Richmond and Highway 17 in Delta.
With the new tunnel and approaches in place, travel is expected to flow at 80 kilometres per hour, unlike the current average of 30 kilometres per hour.
The project will be constructed under a project labour agreement, similar to the Steveston Interchange. The project labour agreement is intended to support local jobs, apprentices and training opportunities, as well as maximize participation of groups under-represented in the construction sector.
The estimated cost of the George Massey Crossing immersed tube tunnel is approximately $4.15 billion.
Plans to replace the tunnel have been in the works for years. Previously, the province planned to build a new 10-lane bridge over the Fraser River instead of a tunnel. However, the NDP scrapped these plans, calling them rushed and not well thought out.
