Metro Vancouver staff ask for more time to review Massey Tunnel replacement bridge

Metro Vancouver staff are asking for more time to review plans for the proposed bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel.

In December the province announced it would replace the ageing tunnel with a 10-lane toll bridge a plan criticized by some of the area's mayors.

"There are many aspects to the bridge proposal," saidRichmond MayorMalcolmBrodie. "We'reunaware of what's really happening, so we want more information."

• Massey Tunnel to be replaced with B.C.'s largest toll bridge
• Massey Tunnel replacement bridge not a solution for traffic congestion, say mayors
• Massey Tunnel replacement bridge to encourage urban sprawl, say critics

The staff recommendthe board ask the province for an additional two monthsto review the project, arguingmore time is needed to look at the impacts of the proposed bridge on Metro Vancouverroads, parks and other services.

They also say the projectneedsmore public consultation.

But Delta Mayor Lois Jackson says she doesn't see much purpose in the review.

"The province has been good to their word," she said.

"They have done all the analysis, all of the engineering reports, yet everyone seems to forget that all this work has been done for the replacement."

Metro Vancouver's board meeting will be held Wednesdayafternoon.