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VANCOUVER – Cross Fraser Partnership has been selected as the preferred proponent for the next design component of the George Massey Tunnel project in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.

The new crossing will replace the George Massey Tunnel with a toll-free, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel including three general-purpose travel lanes and a dedicated public transit lane in each direction, a release said.

“This is a huge step for the Fraser River Tunnel Project, which will see a new toll-free, eight-lane tunnel built to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel. With this team in place, we can finalize the project design and ready it for construction, helping us improve travel for people moving along Highway 99 between Richmond and Delta,” said B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming in a statement.

The Cross Fraser Partnership team is comprised of Bouygues Construction Canada Inc., Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau BC Inc. and Arcadis Canada Inc.

The project will now enter the development phase “which allows a transparent and collaborative approach to tunnel design, and agreement on project costs and risks between the province and Cross Fraser Partnership,” the release said.

Final design and cost submissions will culminate in a design-build agreement, the release added.

The environmental assessment continues along with development of the project design and early works with major construction starting in 2026.

In June 2024, crews began erecting the 21 concrete girders to support the first half of the new interchange with Steveston Highway traffic then moving on to the new structure so the old overpass can be removed and work can begin on the second segment, the release said.

The Steveston Interchange Project is on schedule for completion in 2025. Transit and cycling upgrades along Highway 99 are already complete.

“Along with the new eight-lane tunnel, the new five-lane Steveston Interchange under construction will make it easier for people to travel within our community. Improved transit connections, facilities for biking and walking, reduced traffic congestion and easier access to, from and across Highway 99 all make this project an important one for Steveston and Richmond residents,” Richmond-Steveston MLA Kelly Greene said.