Full Breakdown
BC Conservatives Propose Bridge to Replace George Massey Tunnel, Challenging NDP’s Tunnel Plan
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New Bridge Proposal vs. NDP Tunnel Plan
The British Columbia Conservative Party announced that, if elected, it will scrap the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) $8.5 billion eight-lane tunnel for the George Massey crossing and build a new 10-lane bridge instead. The party did not disclose a cost estimate for the bridge, but framed the tunnel as a “boondoggle” whose projected price had more than doubled from an original $4.15 billion estimate.
Historical Context of the Crossing
A former BC Liberal government had slated a $3.5 billion 10-lane bridge for the site, with construction planned for 2017. When the NDP assumed power under John Horgan that year, it abandoned the bridge plan and, in 2021, unveiled a modern tunnel alternative. In June, the province terminated its contract with the design-build consortium selected for the tunnel; in July, it announced that procurement would be decided in 2027 and that the anticipated completion date had shifted from 2030 to 2031.
Official Statements & Responses
Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson said the province “stopped building” after nine years of NDP governance and promised the bridge would be delivered “on time and on budget.” Eby also warned that the federal funding would be lost if the tunnel were abandoned.
Data & Statistics
- NDP tunnel cost estimate: $8.5 billion (originally $4.15 billion).
- Federal financing commitment for tunnel: $3 billion.
- Former Liberal bridge estimate: $3.5 billion.
- Current Surrey hospital project (women and children’s facility) cost: risen from $1.72 billion to $2.88 billion; completion date moved from 2027 to 2030.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After nine years of David Eby and the NDP, British Columbia stopped building,” — Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson — Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson