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VICTORIA — B.C. Hydro has quietly begun the process of calculating what it would cost to cancel its part in the multi-billion-dollar George Massey Tunnel replacement project.

The Crown agency has asked contractors to figure out how much they would charge to abruptly stop work on moving two transmission lines from inside the Massey tunnel to an overhead line near the proposed new 10-lane bridge, which was announced five years ago when the Liberals were in power in Victoria.

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Two contractors are doing ground improvement and deep foundation work for the new transmission line.

Hydro said it’s just being prepared in case the government decides to scrap plans to build the $3.5-billion bridge.

However, it raises questions about whether Hydro, which recently had its board and management shuffled by the NDP, has any inside knowledge of the government’s intentions.

“We’ve informed our contractors that, as a precaution, we’re preparing for the possibility of having to suspend the currently scheduled construction work and have asked for them to identify costs related to suspending their work,” said Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott.