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A bridge too far out

Letters

Editor:

Re: “Province unveils fixed link scenarios,” Oct. 28.

It frightens me to read, “The estimate for the maximum cost of the road is $2 billion, while the bridge is projected to cost as much as $2.5 billion.” The words “estimate,” “maximum $2 billion,” “$2.5 billion” spring out. Reminds me of the Gibsons bypass project years ago when only two-and-a-half kilometres were completed before the money ran out. Engineering-wise, anything is possible if you throw enough money at it. Or if you want to help win a war. Example – the Bailey bridge of World War II.

Maybe my fellow engineers who produced those estimates have some similar miracle in mind. Note the word “maximum.” I would love to see details as to how they arrived at those figures. I’m 92 years old. I was a sapper officer in World War II. If they are thinking of Bailey bridges, I might just be able to help.

Bernard McGrath, Gibsons