a multi-stage planning initiative, including seeking public input on replacement options for the tunnel to determine a number of options for its replacement. On September 20, 2013, Premier Clark announced that construction on a new bridge to replace the tunnel will begin in 2017. On December 16, 2015, British Columbia Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced detailed plans to spend $3.5 billion on a bridge and interchange improvements to replace the tunnel. In July 2016 the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) started an environmental assessment of the project and on February 9, 2017, the replacement received environment approval from the B.C. Ministry of Environment. Preliminary work went out for tender in January 2017 to start the process of improving ground conditions for the future widening of the project area. The Metro Vancouver mayors spoke out against the replacement plan in June 2016, marking "the first time the mayors, who make up the Metro Vancouver Board, have spoken out collectively against the $3.5-billion crossing." The mayors sent a letter to the B.C. government and the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, to get the federal government to do an environmental review of the project. In February 2017, the federal government denied the request of the mayors for a federal review. The official groundbreaking for the project took place on April 5, 2017, and was met with protesters. Following their victory in the 2017 general election, the NDP Premier John Horgan scrapped the project in favour of a solution with more research and consultation with the Metro Vancouver mayors. The Metro Vancouver mayors recommended a new eight-lane tunnel in 2019 as the replacement of the Massey Tunnel. On August 18, 2021, the provincial government announced the go ahead of the new eight-lane tunnel with a pedestrian and bicycle carriageway, subject to Indigenous consultation and environmental approvals. Benefits of the tunnel versus the bridge are claimed to be less visual and agricultural land impact, less elevation change for cyclists and long haul truckers to struggle with, rain cover for cyclists and pedestrians, and will allow bottleneck improvements to begin immediately on Highway 99 approaches. The toll free tunnel is scheduled for completion in 2030 with a projected cost of $4.15 billion. See also List of crossings of the Fraser River Tsawwassen ferry terminal — major periodic traffic source References External links 1959 Government documentary about the construction of the tunnel Film