Coming off a weekend closure, the Pattullo Bridge has finally re-opened, with only with a single lane in both directions.
The lane downgrade is a part of a five-month rehabilitation project that will continue through the entire summer and conclude on October 3, 2016.
During the rehab, crews will perform a scheduled maintenance on the 79-year-old bridge, primarily to repair the deck and address concrete degradation that occurs over time. Crews will also repave the entire deck with concrete.
Despite the heavier than usual traffic anticipated, many commuters will reportedly still choose the Pattullo over Port Mann to avoid tolls. The Alex Fraser bridge will also see an increase in traffic stemming from drivers rerouting from Pattullo.
Translink has advised drivers using the Pattulo should plan an additional 2o to 40 minutes of travel time during the morning peak period, and an additional 10 to 30 minutes during the afternoon peak period.
There’s no doubt that the lane closures will lead to traffic mayhem this summer. Maybe we should implement the Delta Mayor’s idea of dropping tolls to $1..
Image via Gord McKenna / Flickr