One lane of Pattullo Bridge replacement officially open

After a delay, noisy construction and more than $1 billion, the stal̕əw̓asəm or Riverview Bridge, designed to replace the Pattullo Bridge, is officially, partially open to the public.

One northbound lane opened Wednesday morning as part of Phase One of moving drivers over to the new crossing. The aging bridge remains fully operational for the time being.

Earlier this month, Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth said he hopes all four lanes of the new bridge will be open by February.

The province also warned drivers about a temporary shutdown of both crossings next month.

“There will be a one-week closure of both the old and new Pattullo bridges in mid-to-late January, and I’m anticipating traffic chaos for both the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges, as they are the closest alternatives. Anyone who takes one of those two bridges is going to have to anticipate longer commute times, especially during that week,” explains 1130 NewsRadio Traffic Anchor Leah Holiove.

The completed Riverview bridge will include what’s described as modern, wider lanes separated by a centre median barrier, and wider walking and cycling paths in both directions. The province has also promised commuters from New Westminster and Surrey improved connections and upgrades to the existing road networks on both sides of the new bridge.

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 completely finished until the old crossing is dismantled — a process that’s expected to take at least two years.

The estimated cost for the project is $1.637 billion.

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