Drivers heading to and from the George Massey Tunnel can expect delays this weekend as crews dismantle and remove the old Steveston Highway crossing over Highway 99 in Richmond.

Traffic pattern changes will be in effect tonight (Friday, Feb. 21) through Monday morning (Feb. 24), and again the weekend of Feb. 28 to March 3.

Highway 99 will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. (5 a.m. on Monday), during which time travellers will be directed around the closed section using the on- and off-ramps.

From 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, two lanes on Highway 99 will be open in each direction, however those lanes may be shifted to allow crews and heavy equipment to dismantle and remove the old structure.

Details about the traffic pattern changes can be found at .

Drivers can expect delays and are advised to consider an alternative route. Otherwise, they are asked to use caution through any detours and obey the construction zone speed limit.

Construction of the new five-lane Steveston Interchange hit a major milestone last month with completion of the first half of the new crossing.

Drivers on Steveston Highway began using the new structure mid-month. Construction of the second half will begin once the old structure has been removed.

In advance of that work, ground improvement activities began this week and will last for around three months. Crews are pile-driving and installing stone columns in the southwest and southeast quadrants of the area to both increase ground stability and create a strong foundation for the Phase 2 overpass.

The work is expected to generate noise and vibrations similar to mechanical hammering. To minimize disruptions, the work will be limited to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Drivers are reminded that while Phase 2 of the Steveston Interchange Project is under construction, the northbound loop ramp will be closed and a two-lane left turn signal onto the northside ramp will be in place in its stead.

The Steveston Interchange Project is a key part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program and is being built in advance of the.

Once complete, the new Steveston Interchange will have three westbound and two eastbound lanes to improve traffic flow. It will also provide better access to transit stops and safer pedestrian and cycling connections across Highway 99, with sidewalks and separated bike lanes on both sides of the overpass.

The new interchange is scheduled to be finished in fall 2025.