Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Team chosen to design eight-lane replacement for B.C.'s Massey tunnel

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 23 Jul, 2024 02:15 PM
  • Team chosen to design eight-lane replacement for B.C.'s Massey tunnel

A team has been selected to design a new eight-lane tunnel to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel under the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver, with British Columbia's transportation minister calling it a "huge step" for the project.

Rob Fleming says the selection of the preferred proponent for the tunnel project, Cross Fraser Partnership, means design plans can now be finalized.

A statement from Fleming's ministry says the proponent will build on extensive design work the province has already completed, working toward a final design and construction agreement that considers the risks and costs of the massive project.

The ministry says the new toll-free tunnel will have three general-purpose lanes and one dedicated lane for public transit in each direction.

It says the new tunnel will also feature a separate multi-use path for people walking, biking or using other modes of transportation to make the crossing.

Dan Coulter, the minister of state for infrastructure and transit, says it will be the first time at that location that people will be able to cross the river by foot or bike.

The province adds that environmental assessment is continuing alongside the development of the project design, with major construction starting in 2026.

The Cross Fraser team includes Bouygues Construction Canada, Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau BC and Arcadis Canada.

The project has long been a political friction point, with the former BC Liberal government announcing in 2013 that it would replace the tunnel with a 10-lane bridge.

But the NDP cancelled that proposal shortly after taking office in 2017, prompting a long dispute over how the project should proceed.

MORE National ARTICLES

Shoplifting at Burnaby mall

Shoplifting at Burnaby mall
Mounties in Burnaby say their community response team arrested six shoplifters after being deployed to one of the city’s malls for six hours. Police say nearly 75-hundred-dollars worth of stolen items was recovered and returned to retailers. 

Shoplifting at Burnaby mall

B.C. safety agency moves to cut risks for construction cranes after fatal accidents

B.C. safety agency moves to cut risks for construction cranes after fatal accidents
British Columbia's worker safety agency is moving to address "gaps" in construction crane safety after recent accidents, including fatalities. WorkSafeBC says in a statement that it developed safety plans after bringing together 130 groups and individuals, including tower crane operators, unions, employers, contractors and the B.C. Association for Crane Safety. 

B.C. safety agency moves to cut risks for construction cranes after fatal accidents

Construction of kidney hemodialysis unit in Surrey starts in August: Eby

Construction of kidney hemodialysis unit in Surrey starts in August: Eby
British Columbia Premier David Eby says construction of an $85-million expansion of kidney hemodialysis services in Surrey is set to start in August. Eby says a new unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital will add 21 renal hemodialysis beds to treat patients with kidney disease, bringing the hospital's total to 60 stations.

Construction of kidney hemodialysis unit in Surrey starts in August: Eby

Federal banking regulator OSFI keeps domestic stability buffer on hold at 3.5%

Federal banking regulator OSFI keeps domestic stability buffer on hold at 3.5%
The federal banking regulator is keeping its domestic stability buffer on hold as it says financial system vulnerabilities remain elevated but stable, while near-term risks continue to be low despite some recent increase. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions says its domestic stability buffer will remain at 3.5 per cent of total risk-weighted assets.

Federal banking regulator OSFI keeps domestic stability buffer on hold at 3.5%

Sikh activists mark anniversary of B.C. temple leader Nijjar's murder

Sikh activists mark anniversary of B.C. temple leader Nijjar's murder
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based activist who himself was targeted by India according to U.S. authorities, says Nijjar's murder a year ago was "not the kind of publicity" the Sikh independence movement was seeking.

Sikh activists mark anniversary of B.C. temple leader Nijjar's murder

Fire engulfs homes outside of Merritt

Fire engulfs homes outside of Merritt
An investigation is underway following a fire that engulfed abandoned homes outside Merritt overnight. The fire destroyed one building and severely damaged another that belonged to the former Merritt Mountain Music Festival.

Fire engulfs homes outside of Merritt