Delta Council Urges Inclusion of River Road Overpass in Tunnel Project

UPDATE: The City of Delta is intensifying its push for the inclusion of a new River Road Overpass (RRO) in the Fraser River Tunnel Project, following a compelling report released by KPMG earlier today, October 20, 2023. This report underscores the urgent need for the overpass to support the city’s infrastructure strategy amid soaring population growth and increasing transportation challenges.

The KPMG analysis reveals that the RRO is critical for unlocking local economic development, enhancing connectivity, and alleviating traffic congestion. “The RRO would bolster emergency response capabilities and provide a vital second exit from Ladner to Highway 99,” states the report, highlighting its importance for both developed and agricultural areas.

Incorporating the overpass into the Fraser River Tunnel Project could yield over $7.6 billion in economic benefits over the next 30 years, while significantly reducing congestion on Highway 17A and 99. The Delta Council argues that this infrastructure is essential not only for immediate traffic management but also for long-term housing solutions in the rapidly growing region.

Mayor George Harvie emphasized the consequences of neglecting this opportunity, labeling it “incredibly short-sighted.” He stated, “Turning down the opportunity to include the overpass in the Tunnel Project will come with much higher costs in the future when it is inevitably constructed.” Harvie reiterated the city’s readiness to collaborate with provincial authorities to realize this critical infrastructure.

The report was released just hours ahead of the Delta Council’s regular meeting, where officials are expected to receive updates on the Fraser River Tunnel Project from TI Corp and the Ministry of Transportation. Despite years of advocacy, the province has yet to acknowledge the potential benefits of the RRO, raising concerns about the long-term planning for the region.

Harvie pointed to the existing George Massey Tunnel as a cautionary tale, warning against building infrastructure without foresight. “The province now has a chance to avoid making the same mistake,” he urged, calling for the RRO’s inclusion in the project to meet the region’s future needs.

The full report is accessible online at delta.ca/media/4333. With the regional housing crisis on the rise, the Delta Council’s push for the River Road Overpass is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a critical discussion on infrastructure planning that could shape the community for decades.

As the council prepares to discuss these pressing issues, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged, as the decisions made today will have a lasting impact on Delta’s future.