Drivers heading to and from the George Massey Tunnel can expect delays this weekend as crews dismantle and remove the old Steveston Highway crossing over Highway 99 in Richmond.
Traffic pattern changes will be in effect tonight (Friday, Feb. 7) through Monday morning, and again the weekends of Feb. 21 to 24 and Feb. 28 to March 3. There will be no impact to traffic during the week or over the Family Day long weekend (Feb. 14 to 17).
Highway 99 will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. (5 a.m. on Monday), during which time travellers will be directed around the closed section using the on- and off-ramps.
From 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, two lanes on Highway 99 will be open in each direction, however those lanes may be shifted to allow crews and heavy equipment to dismantle and remove the old structure.
Details about the traffic pattern changes can be found at https://www.highway99tunnel.ca/current-work/.
Drivers can expect delays and are advised to consider an alternative route. Otherwise, they are asked to use caution through any detours and obey the construction zone speed limit.
Work to dismantle and remove the old Steveston Highway crossing was to begin last weekend, but the snowy winter weather meant it was postponed to give ministry crews full access to Highway 99 for brining and plowing as needed.
As the work is weather-dependent, it may be rescheduled again based on current conditions.
For updates, check https://www.drivebc.ca/.
Construction of the new five-lane Steveston Interchange hit a major milestone last month with completion of the first half of the new crossing.
Drivers on Steveston Highway began using the new structure mid-month. Work on the second half will begin once the old structure has been removed.
The Steveston Interchange Project is a key part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program and is being built in advance of the new crossing to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel.
Once complete, the new Steveston Interchange will have three westbound and two eastbound lanes to improve traffic flow. It will also provide better access to transit stops and safer pedestrian and cycling connections across Highway 99, with sidewalks and separated bike lanes on both sides of the overpass.
The new interchange is scheduled to be finished in fall 2025.
