---
title: "200 workers still building the Massey Tunnel replacement as BC awaits bridge decision"
description: "Construction crews continue work on the Massey Tunnel replacement while awaiting direction from premier-designate Lorne Doerkson, who promised a 10-lane bridge instead. No decision is possible until the government is sworn in November 19."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/news/bc-massey-tunnel-construction-bridge-promise-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-04T15:55:59.571Z"
---

A crew of 200 workers is still on site building the Massey Tunnel replacement while they wait for premier-designate [Lorne Doerkson](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson)'s government to decide whether to cancel the tunnel project and build a bridge. No formal direction can be issued until the new government is sworn in on November 19, CTV News Vancouver reported on November 3.

Bryan Railton, a representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers whose members are among those on site, said the work continues under existing contracts until crews are told otherwise.

"You're probably not going to get the same production out of somebody who's going to work going, 'What am I doing here?'" Railton told CTV News.

## The promise

The Conservative Party of BC 2026 platform, on page 11, commits to building a new 10-lane George Massey Bridge and dropping the tunnel replacement project. Page 57 says the bridge will be built within the $8.5 billion already set aside for the crossing. Those commitments are tracked at [/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-bridge](/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-bridge) and [/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-publish-budget-schedule](/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-publish-budget-schedule).

## What local officials are saying

Delta Mayor Melissa Granum told CTV News she supports a bridge but wants a decision fast. "It's wasting our tax dollars if we are going to switch back to a bridge. And at this point, we need to get that decision made," Granum said. Richmond Mayor Rob Howard said his community needs something built quickly.

Railton said cancelling the tunnel would mean paying out contractors for work done and work already committed under contract, and unwinding a project labour agreement that covers the tunnel work. "Let's sit down and have this discussion," Railton told CTV News, saying his union is asking to meet with Doerkson.

Railton also noted the approaches for a bridge would be in different locations than those being built for the tunnel replacement, meaning the current work is unlikely to carry over.

## What comes next

Premier-designate Doerkson's cabinet is sworn in November 19, 2026. That is the first point at which formal direction can be given on the crossing. The Conservatives also promised to publish the bridge's budget and schedule before construction begins, and to ask the federal government to apply its contribution of up to $3 billion toward the bridge.

BC residents near the Delta and Richmond crossing can watch for a formal announcement after November 19. The promise tracking page at [/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-bridge](/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-george-massey-bridge) will be updated when the government acts.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.