tunnel is what the NDP want. 84 lanes each way, 3 general + HOV. that means in at rush hour times there will be no expanded capacity as with the counter-flow lane that makes the rush-direction 3 general purpose lanes.
because the NDP changed the plan after previous bridge construction started, they have to 100% redesign and get new environmental approvals. this will probably be a challenge with the Fraser River since dredging across a river is much more impactful than 2 towers for a bridge. this tunnel design also removes more farming land than existing, where as the bridge gave back farming land to be used as a net-gain in farming land.
the BC Liberals have said they would restart the bridge plan if they get in. this previous bridge option is estimated to be approx. 1 billion cheaper, and would have been done in 2022 if on time. it also included about 30km of freeway upgrades with dedicated centre bus lanes & bus stops at key locations such as steveston hwy. the new tunnel plan does
not include these things; instead going with shoulder bus lanes.
overall, the new tunnel plan is more expensive, will take 10+yrs longer, smaller, has less transit improvements, and has a negative impact on farm land.
the anti-highway crowd sees it as a victory, though i am not sure why. sure its 2 less lanes, but with all the downgrades in transit, farmland, the costs, the timeline, and probably ecological impacts, i really don't see how it is a "victory." but if you hate highways, i guess you can say "less lanes!. yay!"
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