Massey Tunnel replacement on hold
Project omitted from province’s plans despite being major issue for commuters
Spending for major transit and infrastructure projects in Metro Vancouver was outlined in B.C.’s budget Tuesday, but one of the biggest transportation bottlenecks — the George Massey Tunnel — was conspicuously absent.
The previous B.C. Liberal government had intended to replace the 59-year-old tunnel with a $3.5-billion, 10-lane bridge, but that idea has been put on hold by the NDP. In September, the government decided to hire a consultant to explore whether it’s a better idea to build an altered ridge, a twinned tunnel or some other kind of replacement.
The review, which could cost up to $1 million, is due in the spring.
The absence of a line item in the budget related to the tunnel project has raised questions from business and construction groups about the government’s commitment to easing congestion on Highway 99.
The Surrey Board of Trade said it was concerned by the lack of budget numbers for the Massey Tunnel.
“We recognize for goods and movement through the Lower Mainland, the Massey Tunnel has to be replaced as well,” said board CEO Anita Huberman.
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association said the Massey Tunnel project was “completely deleted” from the budget.
Under capital spending, there is $4 billion in provincial funding set aside for transportation, including $1.179 billion set aside over three years for transit infrastructure — $318 million in 2018-19, $474 million in 2019-20 and $387 million in 2020-21 — and $605 million for the Pattullo Bridge replacement.
The funding for transit relates to the commitment the NDP made during its campaign to fund 40 per cent of capital projects in the second phase of the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision for transportation in Metro Vancouver. That phase of the vision includes major projects such as a subway line in Vancouver, at-grade light rail in Surrey and SkyTrain upgrades.
What it does not address is the $60 million to $70 million annual funding gap the region still needs to cover to make the plan a reality.
In addition to the province kicking in money for projects, the federal government has committed to paying up to 40 per cent of the capital costs for three major projects. TransLink is responsible for the rest, plus all operating costs, and has funded more than half ($130 million) from existing revenue sources.
TransLink and the Mayors’ Council have been in negotiations with the province to see what mechanisms they will be allowed to use to cover the gap, which could include increases to gas and parking taxes or a vehicle levy. The mayors do not want to rely on increasing property taxes or fares.
It’s expected a funding agreement will be in place by the end of March.
“Although this major provincial investment in transit hinges on filling a small gap in regional funding, we hope the B.C. government and the Mayors’ Council will find a solution and unlock this major opportunity,” said David Suzuki Foundation policy analyst Tom Green.
The province announced Friday it would be taking over the longplanned Pattullo Bridge replacement. TransLink had intended to build the new bridge by 2023, paying for it with money from the province and tolls, but when the government removed tolls from bridges, it took that funding source away.
The Ministry of Finance did not provide responses Tuesday to questions about the Massey Tunnel.