Bailey Bridge re-opens today; Coq offers to pay to replace
Posted February 22, 2013 6:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – Relief is on the way for drivers using the Bailey Bridge that links Coquitlam and New Westminster.
The span is set to open this afternoon, and the City of Coquitlam is also offering to cover the whole cost of replacing it.
The 18-year-old bridge has been closed for repairs for the past 10 days.
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart says although the single-lane wooden bridge is technically in New Westminster, his city would be willing to foot the $2-million cost for a new temporary two-lane crossing, if the City of New Westminster balks at covering half the cost.
“We have to connect this industrial area, as this is the most important industrial area in Greater Vancouver. It’s right in the middle of Metro Vancouver, and with the new Port Mann it’s become a key industrial area,” he explains.
“These are goods-movement corridors that are vitally important for commerce. To have a route bottle-necked by a one-lane Bailey bridge that could only handle alternating traffic for the last 18 years is unreasonable and unrealistic.”
Stewart believes the new bridge could serve the area until a more permanent overpass is developed.
He’s hoping the span will accommodate pedestrians and be built as soon as the summer.
