Highway 99 Tunnel Work Is Increasing in Delta — Here’s What’s Happening Now
Exit 29 to River Road is set for temporary closures as early construction continues on the $8.5-billion Fraser River Tunnel Project. Here is what Delta residents should know.
Delta, BC — September 2, 2026
Drivers travelling through the Highway 99 corridor in Delta are beginning to see increasingly visible construction activity connected with the Fraser River Tunnel Project, the planned replacement for the existing George Massey Tunnel.
One of the next disruptions will affect Exit 29 from Highway 99 to River Road.
Traffic Notice: According to a Highway 99 Tunnel Program construction notice, Exit 29 to River Road is expected to be closed Monday to Friday from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m., starting as early as September 3, for approximately three weeks. Traffic will be detoured using Exit 28.
The notice says the temporary closure is required so crews can safely carry out utility work. Drivers are being asked to follow posted detour signage and directions from traffic-control personnel.
Is the New Tunnel Being Built Already?
Not yet in the way many residents may imagine.
The construction activity currently visible around Highway 99 and Deas Island is primarily early construction and preparatory work needed before major construction of the immersed-tube tunnel begins.
The Province says early construction began in January 2026 and includes tree clearing, utility relocations and preparation for construction of the casting basin where major tunnel components will eventually be assembled.
Temporary infrastructure is also being constructed, including three material-delivery jetties, a trestle bridge providing construction access to Deas Island, access roads and retaining walls around the casting-basin area.
According to the Province, this early construction activity has created approximately 200 jobs in 2026 alone.
What Will Replace the George Massey Tunnel?
The Fraser River Tunnel Project will replace the existing four-lane George Massey Tunnel with a new toll-free, eight-lane immersed-tube tunnel.
The planned crossing will provide three general-purpose vehicle lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction.
It will also include a separated multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, providing an active-transportation connection across this part of the Fraser River.
The existing George Massey Tunnel is expected to be retired after the new crossing becomes operational.
A Major Procurement Change Happened This Summer
There has also been an important change behind the scenes.
Since September 2024, the Province had been working with Cross Fraser Partnership under a design and early-works agreement while advancing engineering, technical studies and early construction.
However, the Province announced on June 15, 2026 that an agreement on the commercial terms for final construction had not been reached.
The Province therefore moved to a revised procurement model that divides the remaining construction into multiple work packages rather than proceeding through the previously contemplated final agreement.
The government says the revised approach is intended to increase competition, provide opportunities for more B.C. and Canadian contractors and achieve better value for taxpayers.
Importantly, the project itself has not been cancelled. Early construction, design and technical work are continuing while procurement for the major construction packages proceeds.
The Updated Project Budget Is $8.5 Billion
On July 6, 2026, the Province announced an updated total project budget of $8.5 billion.
The Government of Canada has committed up to $3 billion toward the capital cost of the project, with British Columbia responsible for the remaining amount.
According to the Province, the updated estimate reflects current market conditions, inflation, the latest information about project scope and the delivery schedule. The Province says the estimate was independently validated.
Why the number changed: Earlier provincial budget documents listed an anticipated project cost of approximately $4.15 billion. The Province subsequently announced the updated $8.5-billion project budget in July 2026.
When Will Major Construction Begin?
The Province currently anticipates major construction beginning in 2027.
The Environmental Assessment Office review is also expected to conclude before the end of 2026.
Requests for qualifications for the first two major work packages were issued in June 2026, with the Province indicating that successful contractors are expected to be selected in early 2027.
The Province now anticipates project completion in September 2031, updated from the earlier target of December 2030.
What This Means for Delta Residents Right Now
For residents, commuters and businesses in Delta, the immediate effects are likely to be increasingly visible construction activity, utility relocations and temporary traffic restrictions around Highway 99, River Road, Highway 17A and Deas Island.
The upcoming Exit 29 closure is one example of the disruptions residents can expect as early construction advances.
Because this is a multi-billion-dollar public infrastructure project directly affecting Delta, continued public reporting on costs, procurement, construction progress, traffic disruptions and schedule changes will remain important as the project moves from early works into major construction.
Delta Community Concerns — DCC Now will continue following the Fraser River Tunnel Project, including construction impacts in Delta, traffic changes, project costs, procurement developments and changes to the anticipated construction schedule.
Sources: Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Transportation and Transit; Highway 99 Tunnel Program construction notice, September 2026.
Highway 99 Tunnel Program — Current Work
Exit 29 construction notice (PDF)
July 6, 2026 provincial news release — budget and federal funding
June 15, 2026 provincial news release — revised procurement