THE Province announced on Thursday that the business case for a proposed replacement of the George Massey Tunnel on Highway 99 has been received by B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The next step is for government to review the submission, consult with partners and stakeholders, and make a final decision regarding the crossing.

Detailed in the business case are the two shortlisted options presented to the public in February and March 2020: an eight-lane bridge and an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel.

Once a thorough review of the business case has been completed, government will decide on an option. The business case will be made public following that decision.

As a result of the Independent Technical Review released in December 2018, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure established a three-phase planning and engagement process to identify a crossing solution that better aligns with regional interests.

Through the planning process, the ministry worked with the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Task Force, Indigenous groups, TransLink, local municipalities and key stakeholders to develop and evaluate crossing options.

This input and extensive technical work completed to date has led to the development of the business case. Technical analysis and engagement with regulators have continued throughout, as have discussions with participating Indigenous groups.

More information on the engagement and technical work is available online: www.masseytunnel.ca