The B.C. provincial government has announced that the aging George Massey Tunnel in Vancouver will be replaced with a new 10-lane bridge.

Construction is expected to begin in 2017.

Engineering and technical work is currently underway to develop a project scope and business case for the new bridge and associated Highway 99 corridor improvements, to be presented for public discussion in spring 2014.

The Ministry of Transportation will proceed immediately to lengthen the Steveston off-ramp on Highway 99 at the north end of the Massey Tunnel to improve safety and congestion. That project went to tender at the end of September.