VANCOUVER, B.C. — TransLink is now entering Phase 2 of the new Fraser River Crossing, which will include a detailed comparative assessment of the environmental, community and technical implications.

There are several options currently being considered: a bridge connecting Maple Meadows Way to 200th St. in Langley; a tunnel to Barnston Island with a bridge connecting to 192nd St.; and a bridge with a connection to 192nd St.

TransLink says the various route options will be considered, and the public will be asked for its opinion before development of detailed project specifications.

"We are taking a close look at both the tunnel and the bridge concepts to see which option best serves the communities and meets all of our technical and environmental requirements," says project director, Fred Cummings. "Our goal is to develop a new crossing that reduces congestion, provides much needed additional capacity and makes the surrounding communities an even better place to live and work."

The environmental impact studies (as well as examinations of soil conditions, future river navigation patterns and bridge heights) will be completed by early 2003.