New Pattullo Bridge Set to Open in December as Old Bridge is Demolished

The long-anticipated new Pattullo Bridge in British Columbia is scheduled to open to traffic in December 2023, following a phased approach that will temporarily halt all bridge crossings for approximately one week. During a recent update to the Surrey council, Wendy Itagawa, executive director of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, outlined the upcoming changes and preparations for the transition.

The existing Pattullo Bridge, which opened on November 15, 1937, was built at a cost of $4 million and served as a toll bridge until 1952. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke expressed concerns about replacing a four-lane bridge with another of the same capacity, stating, “It will just not suffice.”

The new bridge will feature a name bestowed by the Musqueam Indian Band and Kwantlen First Nation, with First Nations art integrated into its design. Itagawa noted that details about the name will be shared in the coming months, adhering to traditional protocols.

The phased approach to the opening is necessary due to the bridge’s connection to the existing road network at King George Boulevard and McBride Boulevard. Itagawa explained the need for a complete closure of the current bridge to facilitate essential roadwork at the bridge heads, which will coincide with the brief period during which neither bridge will be operational.

Once operational, the new bridge will be owned and maintained by the provincial government’s ministry of transportation, while TransLink will continue to manage the existing structure until its demolition. The initial three years after the opening will involve a review of traffic performance, potentially leading to discussions about expanding the bridge to six lanes.

“It will take some time for traffic to adjust once the bridge opens,” Itagawa stated, indicating that enhancements are expected with the new connections on and off the bridge. The completion of the structure, including all cable installations, is anticipated by October, with the new bridge connecting to the north side of New Westminster.

Key features of the new bridge include wider lanes and improved safety measures, as well as an off-ramp to Highway 17, which will significantly benefit truck traffic. The project also emphasizes high-quality walking and cycling facilities, catering to various modes of transportation.

Itagawa detailed the bridge’s construction, stating that it has been designed to accommodate potential future expansions. This would allow for transformation of the walking and cycling lanes into vehicle lanes, with additional pathways planned to be cantilevered off the sides of the structure.

The transition to the new bridge will consist of four phases, beginning with preparatory work on the Royal Avenue on-ramp in New Westminster. Following this, there will be a temporary closure of the Pattullo Bridge for about one week, during which the new bridge will not yet be open to traffic.

As the project progresses, notifications will be issued regarding closures on Highway 17. The demolition of the old bridge is scheduled to take place over the course of 2026 and 2027, involving the careful removal of structures both above and below the water.

Itagawa reassured council members regarding the quality of materials used, indicating a robust oversight program for the steel utilized in the project. “Everything that’s been on-site has been re-checked,” she affirmed, underlining the commitment to upholding the highest standards.

Overall, the new Pattullo Bridge project represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety for all users while honoring the cultural heritage of the area.