Flatiron Constructors Canada has been named contractor for the Steveston Interchange Project that will improve traffic flow for the planned new Massey Tunnel near Vancouver.
The contract value for the design and construction of the new interchange and removal of the existing one is US$35.3 million (CAN$44.25 million).
“A new Steveston Interchange is key to improving the flow of traffic and transit around the Massey Tunnel,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for the province of British Columbia. “As we replace the old Massey [Tunnel] crossing with a new eight-lane, toll-free tunnel, the new interchange and other corridor improvements will result in travel-time savings and better options for everyone — whether they prefer to walk, cycle, take transit or drive.”
A new Steveston Interchange in the city of Richmond, adjacent to Vancouver city, is an important element of the BC Highway 99 Tunnel Programme for reducing congestion at the Steveston Interchange and on the Highway 99 corridor that leads into and out of the greater Vancouver City region.
The new immersed Massey Tunnel under the Fraser River will be in operation in 2030 at an estimated cost of US$3.3 billion (CAN$4.15 billion). Two of the tunnel’s eight lanes will be dedicated for bus rapid transit and there will be separated pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
The existing four-lane 61-year-old George Massey Tunnel is Canada’s only tunnel below sea level and carries more than its design limit of 80,000 vehicles a day. Extensive renovations to the tunnel and attempts to improve access roads have been done over the years, but the structure has only about 10 years of useful life, according to some reports.
Flatiron will soon start relocation of utilities around the existing Steveston Interchange in preparation for construction, while it refines the design of the new interchange. Major construction will begin in 2023 with opening of the interchange expected in 2025.
Earlier this year, Cowi won a contract as owner's engineer of the replacement immersed tunnel.
