Editor:
The price of $51 million to build an overpass on the Bypass is trotted out to dissuade us from pursuing this avenue to a sensible traffic/train solution. An overpass covering the tracks and Glover road is the only solution that makes any kind of sense.
The base is already there, the bypass, and is totally compacted. That eliminates one quarter of the cost. But if you want to go really cheap just cross over the tracks.
This project is so right for the new Styrene foam and concrete block construction method as used on the 200 street and Highway 1 project.
There is little need to purchase additional land as this overpass will be built up almost totally on the existing road area.
The foundations supporting the concrete block side walls of the overpass can be developed along the area outside the shoulders of the Bypass while the Bypass is open with no daytime traffic interruption.
There is land on three corners to accumulate materials and construction equipment.
With proper planning and good engineering this project will cost no more than the new Mufford plan. If crossing the tracks only, much less.
The Bypass would be shut down totally for less than three months.
A public discussion to address this plan is needed before any work is done on the new Mufford plan. I welcome hearing from the engineers involved with this project.
After spending millions to four lane Hwy. 10 east of Cloverdale and west of Langley, leaving this Bypass/rail crossing bottleneck to exist is ridiculous.
If the Mufford plan goes ahead can you imagine the traffic mess when the signs light up informing a train is coming and every driver at once tries to get from the Bypass to the Mufford overpass. That idea was not thought out.
John Winter, Langley