TC News Letter to the Editor - June 14,2006

WHAT ABOUT A BRIDGE TO NORTH VAN ?

So Im reading the paper today and I come across this letter to the editor (tri city news). Yes - this is my DAD. NO - I dont necessarily agree with him - but it is kind of funny, he has some old documents that show this idea and a crossing near Barnet Beach has been around for 20+ years.... Im sure one day, it will happen. Hopefully, not while Im on city council !!

Jun 14 2006
The Editor,


With all the talk of the Gateway projects for the Lower Mainland, I am surprised there has been no mention of a new extension of the Upper Levels Highway from Lynn Canyon area and bridge crossing from North Vancouver across the base of Indian Arm to the shores of Belcarra, then east to Ridge Meadows. This bridge and road may be built within the next 15 years and it would funnel off all the traffic from the east directly to the Upper Levels and then to Horseshoe Bay ferries and the road to Whistler. It would also connect quite nicely through the Tri-City and Ridge Meadows to the new bridge to be built across the Fraser connecting to the Trans Canada highway and 200th Street in Langley.

All the traffic to and from the east and the U.S. going to the ferries terminal in Horseshoe Bay and Whistler would no longer need to waste time and energy to mix with us on the already overcrowded “freeway” that all of us use to get around the Lower Mainland and to Vancouver.

And the great part about this bridge and route is that the traffic through Vancouver would be greatly reduced. Vancouver does not want freeway traffic through its city so this is just what the doctor ordered.

Why do planners and TransLink appear to have ignored developing this concept at this time when it would greatly enhance traffic flow well into the future?

Gordon Clay, Coquitlam