Hard hats, reflective vests and shovels were in full view on Steveston Highway Thursday morning to mark the official construction of the new five-lane Steveston interchange – part of the George Massey Tunnel replacement project.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming was joined by Wayne Sparrow, elected Chief of Musqueam Indian Band, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, as well as councillors and MLAs at the $85-million site, at Steveston Highway and Highway 99.
"It's an important day as we move forward on addressing one of the worst bottlenecks in Richmond," said Fleming.
"I look forward to work getting underway that will improve connections for transit users, drivers and cyclists, and tie in to the new eight-lane toll-free tunnel that will replace the George Massey Tunnel."
The existing two-lane overpass at Steveston Highway and Highway 99 will be replaced with two eastbound and three westbound lanes, including a left-turn lane.
Better access to transit stops, safer pedestrian and cycling connections across Highway 99 and sidewalks and separated bike lanes on both sides of the overpass are also expected with the completion of the project.
Utility relocation and clearing of the Steveston interchange will be underway in the coming weeks and the new interchange is expected to be finished in 2025.
This project is not only an important upgrade for the city, but also a “critical component for the overall Highway 99 improvement,” according to Brodie.
He noted that the former BC Liberal government’s old plan to build a 10-lane bridge “was unacceptable in so many ways,” including being as high as an apartment complex.
“I am very, very grateful to the Government of British Columbia for sitting down with us … to say that what we want is something more in keeping with the environmental issues, the agricultural issues, the urban issues that we have faced,” said Brodie.
In response to concerns of what would happen to the project if the Liberal party were to take power after the next election, Fleming said it would involve years of delays once again.
“Heaven forbid that happen, but it would (mean) moving backwards,” said Fleming, adding that “it would hit the reset button on the environmental assessment process.”
“It would require ripping hundreds of millions of dollars worth of built form that is part of the Highway 99 corridor improvement. It would be a tremendous setback and would further put the solution out of sight.”
