The George Massey Tunnel will be closed overnight this weekend to allow for safety testing and maintenance, according to an advisory issued by Mainroad Lower Mainland Contracting. The Highway 99 tunnel, which connects Richmond and Delta, will be shut in both directions from Friday, May 22, at 10 p.m. to Saturday at 4:30 a.m., and again from Saturday, May 23, at 10 p.m. to Sunday at 4:30 a.m.
Detour and Traffic Advisory
Drivers are advised to use the Alex Fraser Bridge as an alternative route during the closures. Motorists should watch for signs and traffic control personnel in the area to ensure safe navigation around the closed tunnel.
Long-Term Replacement Plans
The tunnel has long been identified as needing upgrades or a replacement to extend its lifespan and improve safety and congestion. A plan to replace the tunnel with a 10-lane bridge was initially approved under Christy Clark's B.C. Liberal government but was later scrapped by B.C. NDP then-Premier John Horgan in favor of a toll-free, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel.
Once complete, the new tube tunnel will offer three travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction, along with a dedicated multi-use pathway for walking and cycling. Early construction work, including tree clearing, utility relocation, and access road development, has been underway for some time.
As of 2022, the estimated cost of the replacement was expected to be $4.15 billion, with the tunnel due to be completed by 2030.
