[Soundy]

I wouldn't say "no-one wanted" the GEB. It's long been known that a fixed crossing was needed between Mission and the Port Mann, as the Albion Ferry just didn't have the capacity, and really, funnelling all the traffic through the middle of Fort Langley wasn't the greatest idea. I think the biggest "huh?" with the GEB is where they chose to put it, as it still leaves a huge gap between it and the Mission bridge, that's now un-served by any crossing (whether or not the ferry should have been kept in service is a whole other discussion).

Realistically, given the current population centers, the available access, and the areas of parks and farmland on the south bank of the Fraser, it probably uses the best alignment available.