New Pattullo Bridge to Open Gradually in Phased Launch by 2025

The new Pattullo Bridge in British Columbia is set to open to vehicle traffic in a phased approach starting in December 2025. This announcement follows significant construction milestones, including the installation of all 80 cables and the final steel girders of the main bridge deck over the Fraser River. Despite the visible progress, substantial work remains before full functionality can be achieved.

According to the provincial government, the new bridge will not retain the name of its predecessor, which honored former Premier Thomas Dufferin Pattullo. Instead, the new name will reflect the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, aligning with the government’s commitment to Indigenous representation. The first phase of the bridge’s opening will see a partial launch by Christmas 2025, marking a shift in traffic management for the region.

The phased opening process will differ from previous major bridge openings in Metro Vancouver, such as the Golden Ears Bridge in 2009 and the Port Mann Bridge in 2012, which opened all lanes simultaneously. The initial phase will involve closing the existing Royal Avenue on-ramp to the old bridge, allowing for connections to be established on the New Westminster side. This adjustment will coincide with a complete closure of both the old and new bridges for a brief period to facilitate further road network connections.

Once operational, the new bridge will feature two westbound lanes for traffic, while the old bridge will continue to accommodate eastbound vehicles. On opening day, drivers will connect to McBride Boulevard in New Westminster, with a new off-ramp leading to East Columbia Street. The Royal Avenue on-ramp will remain closed for approximately two weeks post-opening to allow for the construction of a new replacement on-ramp.

In January 2026, the old Pattullo Bridge, which has served the area for 88 years, will permanently close to traffic, shifting all eastbound vehicles onto the new structure. The completion of the new bridge is crucial, as the existing bridge has been classified as structurally deficient, with significant risks associated with its age and deterioration.

The final road connections to the new bridge cannot be completed until the old bridge is partially demolished, as its structure overlaps with the new on- and off-ramp locations. A month-long closure of Columbia Street between McBride Boulevard and Elliot Street is anticipated to facilitate the demolition and the construction of a new loop on-ramp. Following this, crews will require an additional three months to finalize the new loop on-ramp, extending the timeline into early Spring 2026.

On the Surrey side, nighttime and weekend closures of Highway 17 (South Fraser Perimeter Road) will be necessary to dismantle sections of the old bridge and to construct a new off-ramp from the new bridge to westbound Highway 17. This off-ramp, alongside new pedestrian and cycling pathways, is expected to open by mid-2026, marking the full completion of bridge connections.

The timeline for demolishing the old bridge includes the removal of its structure starting in early 2027, with underwater demolition of the bridge’s foundations following in Fall 2026. This phased approach will conclude the entire project by mid-2027.

Construction on the new Pattullo Bridge commenced in Spring 2021, with an initial targeted opening date set for late 2023. This timeline was adjusted to 2024 due to various delays, including pandemic-related impacts and limited seasonal work windows to minimize ecological disruption. The overall project cost has risen from $1.38 billion to $1.64 billion, reflecting the increased complexity of the work involved.

The new bridge is a critical safety upgrade, prompted by technical studies identifying the old bridge as being in poor condition, with vulnerabilities to earthquakes, high winds, and potential ship strikes. In 2020, TransLink implemented an advanced warning system on the old bridge due to these risks, underscoring the urgent need for a replacement.

Despite the necessity of the new structure, there has been some criticism regarding the decision to replace the old four-lane bridge with another four-lane design, which provides limited additional capacity for the growing communities to the south. Surrey officials and local businesses have advocated for a six-lane bridge, while New Westminster has expressed concerns over increased traffic flow into their streets. The provincial government argues that the new bridge’s design, featuring wider lanes and improved road connections, will enhance traffic safety and efficiency.

As the project progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that the new Pattullo Bridge not only serves as a modern transportation link but also meets the safety and capacity needs of the region.