Pattullo Bridge replacement on track for 2024: official
Posted February 15, 2023 1:29 pm.
Last Updated February 15, 2023 3:41 pm.
It may be a slow go across the Pattullo Bridge for the next few months as construction continues on the replacement project.
However, those behind the new crossing say the project is still on track to open by 2024.
The new bridge was originally slated to open this fall but has been pushed back due to permitting, on-site evaluations, and challenges posed by the pandemic.
Executive project director Wendy Itagawa told Surrey city council Monday that several milestones have been hit, adding the four-lane bridge will be both safer and faster than it’s 86-year-old predecessor.
“In addition to the main bridge foundations, eight off-ramp foundations are being built, including seven for the off-ramp for Highway 17,” she said.
Starting this spring, drivers in the area are expected to see some additional road work. Itagawa says construction will start in Surrey on Old Yale Road to get Highway 17 realigned between Tannery Road and the bridge.
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The Pattullo Bridge, which originally opened in 1937, connects New Westminster and Surrey. The City of Surrey says efforts to find a solution for the aging bridge have been underway since 2006.
The new bridge is being built just north and upstream of the existing crossing. The City of Surrey says it will connect existing roads between that community and New Westminster.
In addition to various improvements, the project page for the replacement says the new bridge will also feature dedicated walking and cycling lanes that are separated by a physical barrier on both sides of the crossing.
Meanwhile, the new bridge’s design will also take snowfall into account.
“The cables on the new bridge will not cross over into any of the travelling lanes which will help mitigate the risk of snow and ice falling on [the bridge],” Itagawa said. “There will be a snow and ice removal system from day one, that’s similar to the system on the Port Mann Bridge.”
Commuters will continue to use the existing bridge until the new one opens, at which time the previous crossing will be removed.
The estimated cost of the replacement project is just over $1.3 billion.
