The Alex Fraser Bridge didn’t experience much relief after tolls were lifted on two other Lower Mainland crossings in September.
It didn’t have much of an impact.
That was the conclusion of a Delta staff report looking at traffic volumes at the Alex Fraser Bridge and George Massey Tunnel following the removal of tolls at two other Lower Mainland crossings.
Starting Sept. 1, the NDP government removed tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges, describing the charges as unfair. The government estimated the move will save drivers who commute over the Fraser River an average of $1,500 each year. Truckers could save $4,500, according to the province.
The big question in these parts was whether the elimination of tolls would encourage drivers to use the previously tolled bridges rather than other crossings.
A report to Delta council notes that an early traffic count, comparing daily trips during September over the same month the previous year, found traffic on the previously tolled crossings increased by about 30 per cent.
The always untolled Pattullo and Alex Fraser bridges saw traffic decrease 12 and two per cent, respectively. The tunnel, which had 92,216 trips this September, also saw a two per cent drop from September 2016.
The report notes morning and evening rush hours at the tunnel and Alex Fraser Bridge now typically last between seven to nine hours combined per day, making it more difficult for commuters to avoid being stuck in daily congestion.
“These two crossings also have high traffic volumes during the mid-day hours and are very sensitive to any regional traffic incidents. As traffic volumes increase, the morning and afternoon rush hours may start to blend together in the long term, if no action is taken to improve these crossings,” the report warns.
In September, the provincial government announced it’s suspending the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project, which would have seen a 10-lane bridge constructed, pending a third-party technical review that is expected to be completed next spring.
Meanwhile, while tolls are gone, it appears road pricing might be on its way. The Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation is exploring ideas for addressing congestion and providing revenue for infrastructure, including road pricing.
