The public can expect to see and hear some testing work along the corridor where the new tunnel between Richmond and Delta will be built.
The Fraser River Tunnel Project (FRTP) team is conducting a series of geotechnical investigations in the Fraser River, near the new tunnel’s portals and along Highway 99 in Richmond and Delta.
The results will help inform the final design of the new tunnel and highway as well as construction methods, duration of construction and the work area required for the tunnel replacement project.
Starting in early January, geotechnical investigations will be conducted for one to two weeks in the Deas Slough.
This involves riverbed drilling from a barge. Boaters should use caution when in the area, but there isn’t expected to be any impacts to nearby residents.
Also in January, the team will begin a series of onshore geotechnical investigations along Highway 99 in Richmond, Delta and on Deas Island, which will last about six months.
This will include collecting soil samples and conducting subsurface soil tests along the highway alignment between Westminster Highway and Highway 17A.
The team will also test ground-densification methods and conduct pump tests in the approaches of the new tunnel in Richmond and on Deas Island.
Most of the work will be done between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; however, in some instances, work may extend beyond 7 p.m.
Work at Richmond end of new tunnel
In addition to geotechnical work along the Highway 99 alignment in Richmond, the project team will also test ground-densification methods and carry out a pump test at the site of the new tunnel’s north portal.
The work will last about eight weeks in spring.
Passers-by can expect to see a crane and other equipment at this location, but the work isn't expected to have any impact on businesses or the public.
Section of Island Tip Trail to close during geotechnical work
Also early in the year, the project team will conduct geotechnical work on Deas Island.
To ensure public safety while this work takes place, the section of the Island Tip Trail that passes through the ministry’s right-of-way will be closed from Jan. 8 to 17 and from Feb. 2 to 4.
Other work on Deas Island will include testing ground-densification methods and a pump test. Passers-by can expect to see a crane and other equipment on Deas Island at the site of the new tunnel's south portal.
The ministry expects this work to take about eight weeks during the spring.
Stoppage expected on Millennium Trail in Delta
In Delta, investigative work will occur adjacent to the Millennium Trail on the east side of Highway 99. To ensure public safety while this work is being performed, there will be temporary stoppages along the trail. The ministry is asking the public to plan for potential delays.
Signage will be placed on the Millennium Trail in advance of the work.
Traffic control personnel will be on-site to ensure public safety and access to the area to the greatest extent possible.
When it's not safe, the trail may be temporarily closed. Trail users and nearby residents may also notice some brush clearing and tree trimming as part of this work.
Most of the work will be done during the daytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., however, again, in some instances, work may extend beyond 7 p.m.
The George Massey Tunnel replacement project is budgeted to cost $4.15 billion and is expected to be completed in 2030.
For more information on the new tunnel project, email [email protected] or go to highway99tunnel.ca.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
💬 Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
