The Massey Tunnel closed in both directions on October 15, 2024 following a head-on collision with two vehicles. A Toyota vehicle and a Mazda crashed in the northbound lane—which had been turned into a counterflow lane—accidentally. After a few hours, southbound traffic started up once more; the northbound lane stayed closed until 8:00 PM.
Table of Accidents and Traffic Closures at the Massey Tunnel (2024)
| Date | Incident | Details | Resulting Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 11, 2024 | Truck strikes ceiling of the tunnel | A truck hauling a shipping container hit the roof of the tunnel, causing sparks and significant damage. | Temporary full closure; tunnel cleared after a few hours. |
| March 26, 2024 | Overpass strike near the tunnel | A vehicle struck an overpass near the Massey Tunnel entrance, causing delays for southbound traffic. | Southbound lanes delayed; traffic redirected through alternate routes. |
| June 12, 2024 | Fatal motorcycle crash near the tunnel | A motorcyclist collided with another vehicle and was fatally struck by a semi-truck near the tunnel’s northbound lanes. | Full northbound closure for several hours, with one lane reopened later. |
| August 7, 2024 | Overnight lane reductions for construction | Ongoing construction on Highway 99 required lane reductions overnight, significantly affecting traffic flow near the tunnel. | Lane reductions between 9 PM and 5 AM. |
| October 15, 2024 | Head-on collision in counterflow lane | A Toyota and a Mazda crashed head-on in a northbound counterflow lane during peak hours, leading to significant delays in both directions. | Full closure of northbound lanes; southbound lanes reopened after 3 hours. |
| October 16, 2024 | Vehicle crash in the northbound lanes | A crash involving multiple vehicles in the northbound lanes caused extensive delays in the Richmond and Delta areas. | Northbound lane closure for hours, with slow reopening later in the evening. |
Particularly head-on collisions and crashes involving heavy vehicles, these events have been common in 2024 and have seriously delayed commuters. Often advised during these closures are alternate paths include the Alex Fraser and Knight Street Bridges. More closures scheduled overnight to enable upgrades as building on the Highway 99 Tunnel Program proceeds will affect traffic flow all year long.
Massey Tunnel Traffic Information Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hwy 99 between Richmond and Delta, British Columbia |
| Incident Date | October 15, 2024 |
| Cause of Closure | Head-on vehicle collision |
| Alternate Routes | Alex Fraser Bridge |
| Reopening Time | 8:00 PM (Full reopening of lanes) |
| Contact | BC Highway Patrol, 778-526-9744 |
| Source | DriveBC Updates |
System Changes Using Counterflow
Rush hour counterflow systems in the Massey Tunnel help to maximize traffic flow. One northbound lane was turned to a southbound lane on October 15, 2024, therefore augmenting the capacity for southbound traffic. Sadly, this helped to cause the disaster, therefore complicating efforts at recovery. Monitoring the counterflow system, BC Highway Patrol makes adjustments depending on traffic demand.
Usually smooth, the counterflow operations of the tunnel are disturbed by accidents or other problems. Particularly during busy times, commuters should keep aware of the schedule of the system and be ready for possible lane closures or changes.
After Reopening, Heavy Traffic
Heavy traffic persisted until evening as the southbound lane reopened. For several hours Northbound traffic was at a halt. The tunnel was completely functioning by 8:00 PM, although delays continued as vehicles cleared the queue. By using the Alex Fraser Bridge as a backup path, many drivers contributed to ease traffic congestion.
Building Projects inside the Tunnel
As part of the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, Massey Tunnel construction activity has been continuous through 2024. Although these modifications seek to increase traffic flow, they have occasionally resulted in lane closures and delays. Overnight lane restrictions started on October 7, 2024; closures occurred between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. As building goes on, drivers should expect ongoing disruptions.
These improvements are necessary to increase the capacity and safety of the tunnel, however the work has caused major traffic congestion particularly at busy times. To prevent delays, drivers can look for updates on the work timetable.
Travel Advice for Avoiding Delays
Frequent closures and incidents mean travelers should carefully map their paths. Two workable substitutes for avoiding Massey Tunnel traffic are the Alex Fraser Bridge and Knight Street Bridge. Another way to cut time spent in traffic is to travel outside of busy times. Maintaining current state requires constant awareness of which live traffic updates through DriveBC or local radio stations represent.
The present Massey Tunnel will be replaced by a new eight-lane construction according to provincial government plans. Early phases of this project are still under development; building is scheduled to start shortly. Once finished, the additional tunnel will increase traffic flow on Highway 99 and offer more capacity. Commuters will have to negotiate regular lane closures and construction-related delays until then, though.
FAQs for Massey Tunnel Commuters
- What is the purpose of the counterflow system?
The counterflow system adjusts lane directions during rush hours to accommodate increased traffic flow. - Are there alternatives to using the Massey Tunnel?
Yes, commuters can use the Alex Fraser Bridge or Knight Street Bridge to bypass tunnel delays. - When will the new Massey Tunnel be built?
The new tunnel project is underway and expected to be completed later in the decade. - Why was the Massey Tunnel closed on October 15, 2024?
A head-on collision between two vehicles in a counterflow lane caused the closure. - Where can I find real-time updates on Massey Tunnel traffic?
Live updates are available through DriveBC and local radio stations like 1130 NewsRadio.
