The New Pattullo Bridge Will Open In 4 Phases

Now that The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project is coming to a close, plans are being established on how the bridge will function after its opening. Its acclimation to local traffic will be introduced in 4 phases, aiming to make the transition to a new bridge smooth for all motorists.

THE PATTULLO BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The Pattullo Bridge has experienced a number of unexpected delays throughout the years. Its initial opening date was 2023, although it quickly appeared that a 2024 completion date was more realistic. Now, the bridge will open by Christmas 2025.

Since the bridge is 88 years old, a makeover has been more than needed. The upgraded bridge will now feature 10% wider lanes, and even the possibility to increase its four-lane crossing into six lanes. Here’s the general overview of the new Pattullo Bridge’s changes:

• A safer crossing with wider lanes and a centre median that separates traffic travelling in opposite directions.
• Modern lane widths to increase capacity on the bridge by 10%.
• Improved community connections in New Westminster and Surrey.
• Separate pedestrian and cyclist paths.

Additionally, part of the Patullo Bridge Replacement project is a new art installation beneath the Highway 17-Old Yale Road overpass. The Pattullo Bridge will also be getting a new name.

It will be soon replaced with a new one in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language to honour the land the bridge is on. While the government has yet to confirm the official Indigenous name, they’ve stated they’re working with the Musqueam First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation. More details about the name will be shared in the coming months.

OPENING PHASES

The new Pattullo Bridge is slated to open in a phased approach. The executive director of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, Wendy Itagawa, explained to the Surrey council about how the the transition to the new bridge should look.

“Given that the new bridge ties in to the existing road network – at King George and McBride – we need to do the opening in a phased approach. We will transition in a careful and planned way to the new bridge. We will need a full road closure of the existing bridge and the new bridge won’t be open and that will be about a week where there’s no crossing. So that is needed in order to do the roadwork that’s needed at the interfaces of the bridge heads.”

The phases are to allow the completion of roadway tie-ins to the bridge. Each phase will have a closure/closures to facilitate construction.

Here’s what you can expect on the opening day of the new Pattullo Bridge:

• In New Westminster: connections to McBride Boulevard, and a new off-ramp to East Columbia Street will be open
• In Surrey: connections to King George Boulevard will be open