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About the project

The Fraser River Tunnel Project includes a new, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel that will replace the existing George Massey Tunnel on Highway 99, providing people with a toll-free crossing that aligns with regional interests.

The new crossing will have three vehicle lanes and a dedicated transit lane in each direction, with a separated active transportation corridor for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Project also includes:

Replacing the Deas Slough Bridge
Removing the existing tunnel once the new immersed tunnel is in operation

Conceptual rendering of the south approach to the new eight-lane immersed tunnel. There are three vehicle lanes and a dedicated transit lane in each direction, with an active transportation corridor in the middle for cyclists and pedestrians. — *_{This image is a conceptual rendering for illustrative purposes only.}*

Background

Two options were presented in the business case: an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel and eight-lane bridge. The immersed tube tunnel was selected because it:

Best meets regional goals and objectives, as endorsed by the Metro Vancouver Board
Is comparable to existing conditions, whereas a bridge would introduce new visual, noise, shading and lighting impacts over the life of the structure
Has fewer impacts to agricultural land and will not have vessel height requirements (meaning larger ships can still pass through)
Better facilitates the movement of trucks and cyclists with a much lower overall elevation change
Provides protection from inclement weather for everyone who uses this crossing

The Fraser River Tunnel Project is one of the five projects under the Highway 99 Tunnel Program delivered by the Province of BC.

Planning and delivery process

The Project planning and delivery process includes several key phases and Environmental Assessment (EA) process milestones, including four opportunities for public engagement as outlined in the following graphic. Early Engagement is the first phase, which provides an opportunity for all interested parties to better understand the project and establishes a foundation for the rest of the Environmental Assessment. Feedback received during this phase will be compiled into an engagement summary report by the Environmental Assessment Office for review and consideration by the Project.

Anticipated project delivery schedule graphic for the Fraser River Tunnel Project, which includes the Environmental Assessment process.
Fraser River Tunnel Project
• Planning, procurement and permitting began in 2021 and will continue until the end of 2025.
• The Environmental Assessment is underway, and the Project team is working towards an Environmental Assessment Certificate by the end of 2024.
• If approved, construction is targeted to begin in 2026 and completed in 2030.
• The new tunnel is anticipated to be in service in 2030, at which point the existing tunnel will be decommissioned.

Environmental Assessment
There are eight stages to the Environmental Assessment process:
Early Engagement, EA Readiness Decision, Process Planning, Application Development and Review, Effects Assessment, Recommendation, Decision and Post Certificate. The graphic also indicates there are four public engagement opportunities.
• The Fraser River Tunnel Project is currently in the first stage – Early Engagement, which includes public engagement and will be completed in June 2022.
• The EA Readiness Decision will also take place in 2022.
• Process Planning will begin in fall 2022, with another engagement opportunity for the public, and will be completed in 2023.
• Application Development and Review will take place in 2023 and will include the third public engagement opportunity.
• Effects Assessment and Recommendation will begin in 2023 and be completed in 2024. The public will be engaged in the recommendation stage in 2024.
• The final decision, whether or not a certificate will be issued will be made in 2024, which will be followed by post certificate work that will continue into 2032.

Project benefits

Safety

The new immersed tube tunnel will meet modern seismic standards and be built to modern design standards. It will also provide safe options for pedestrians, cyclists and other modes of active transportation.

Active transportation

The new tunnel will provide a dedicated active transportation connection for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Fraser River on Highway 99.

Transit

Transit will be quicker, safer and more reliable with dedicated bus-only lanes to accommodate fast and frequent bus rapid transit service.

Reliability

The new tunnel will provide more capacity and more reliable travel for goods and service trips, allowing for increased business, economic growth and productivity.