British Columbia premier-designate Lorne Doerkson is calling on the outgoing provincial government to pause new commitments towards the controversial Massey Tunnel replacement project while his incoming administration reviews alternative options, including constructing a bridge.
In a statement released Thursday, November 12, 2026, Doerkson said the government should avoid making decisions that would lock the province into the current tunnel replacement plan before the incoming cabinet completes its assessment.
However, he clarified that he was not demanding an immediate shutdown of all construction activities, insisting that essential work should continue until the new government determines the project’s future direction.
Doerkson’s position follows his campaign promise to abandon the estimated $8.5-billion tunnel replacement project in favour of a 10-lane bridge across the Fraser River.
He argued that a bridge would provide better value for taxpayers and called on the outgoing New Democratic Party government to preserve the options available to the incoming administration.
According to Doerkson, no new contracts, procurement decisions, contract amendments or other financial commitments that specifically advance the tunnel option should proceed during the transition period. He said existing contractual obligations would be respected.
The Massey Tunnel replacement project has been a major political issue in British Columbia for several years.
The original bridge proposal was developed under the former BC Liberal government in 2013. However, after the NDP took office in 2017, former premier John Horgan cancelled the bridge plan and eventually moved forward with a tunnel replacement project.
The current proposal involves constructing an eight-lane immersed-tube tunnel beneath the Fraser River to replace the aging George Massey Tunnel, which connects Richmond and Delta south of Vancouver.
The project’s estimated cost has increased substantially, reaching approximately $8.5 billion, compared with an earlier estimate of $4.15 billion. The rising costs have intensified political disagreements over whether the tunnel remains the most appropriate solution.
The incoming Conservative government has promised to review the tunnel project and its alternatives before making a final decision.
Doerkson and his party secured a majority in the October 24 provincial election, winning approximately two-thirds of the seats in the legislature. His government is expected to take office on November 19.
Meanwhile, the project has implications for construction workers and businesses already involved in the development.
The BC Building Trades previously warned that cancelling the tunnel project could immediately affect approximately 200 workers currently employed at the construction site and put another 1,700 jobs at risk.
The organisation also raised concerns about the financial consequences of cancelling existing contracts and potentially losing federal infrastructure funding.
The federal government has committed to contributing up to $3 billion towards the Fraser River crossing project. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon has indicated that Ottawa is prepared to support the crossing regardless of whether the province ultimately chooses a bridge or a tunnel.
As the transition continues, the future of the Massey crossing remains uncertain. Doerkson has said his administration wants to complete its review before making further financial commitments, while residents, workers and businesses await clarity on the project’s direction.
Swifteradio.com
