B.C. gov’t provides update on Pattullo Bridge replacement

Four years after construction began, the new Pattullo Bridge appears to be closer than ever to opening to drivers.

The province provided 1130 NewsRadio with an update in September, confirming that the crossing would be operational by Christmas 2025. No other timeline has been provided since then.

B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth and members from the Musqueam Indian Band and Kwantlen First Nation are expected to provide an update on the new crossing at a media event in Surrey at 10:15 a.m. Monday.

Those close to the situation tell 1130 NewRadio that today’s announcement may concern naming rights.

The bridge was originally expected to open in 2023, but the date was pushed back. Authorities then promised it would open this fall, but now it looks like it will be, at least, partially open later this month.

Moving drivers over to the new bridge has its challenges.

Traffic will be switching over in phases, allowing for the completion of construction on either side. Officials say during the first phase, one northbound lane will open to traffic.

Once all four lanes open, the new crossing will once again connect to King George Boulevard in Surrey and McBride Boulevard in New Westminster. The off-ramp to Columbia Street will also be open.

Commuters can expect further headaches as some parts of the new bridge can’t be finished until the old crossing is dismantled — a process expected to take two years.

“The new Royal Avenue on-ramp, Columbia Street loop-ramp and Highway 17 off-ramp will open in phases, as they cannot be completed until sections of the connecting roadways and the Pattullo Bridge have been removed,” says the province’s website.

“The new Royal Avenue on-ramp and new Columbia Street loop-ramp will open in phases as they cannot be completed until sections of the connecting roadways and the Pattullo Bridge have been removed. A local closure of Columbia Street between McBride Boulevard and Elliot Street, for approximately one month, will be required to deconstruct the Pattullo Bridge and build the new Columbia loop-ramp.”

The new crossing will have wider lanes, separated by a barrier, as well as walking and cycling paths in both directions.

The current, estimated complete cost for the project is $1.637 billion.