On July 31, 2008, TransLink opted to replace the Pattullo Bridge, rather than refurbish the aging structure.[3] In June 2014, the Metro Vancouver Mayors' Council determined that the existing structure would be demolished and replaced with a new, four-lane bridge.[4] Construction was expected to take place between 2019 and 2023, with $1.3 billion in funding finalized in 2018.[5][6] On April 1, 2021, construction began on the replacement bridge with an expected opening in 2024.[7] In 2024, it was expected to open in late 2025.[8]
The Pattullo Bridge has a number of issues including not being seismically sound, having narrow lanes, and lacking barriers separating opposing traffic or pedestrians and cyclists. This created the need for a replacement.[10]
The new bridge is designed with four lanes of traffic but can be expanded to six lanes in the future. The city of New Westminster supported a four-lane design, while the city of Surrey supported six lanes.[11]
The bridge will feature First Nations artwork, and artwork will also be installed near the bridge approaches. The first artwork has been installed—a design by Kwantlen First Nation artist q̓ʷɑt̓ic̓ɑ (Phyllis Atkins) embossed into the Highway 17–Old Yale Road overpass.[9]
History
A key link between Surrey and the rest of Greater Vancouver, the predecessor Pattullo Bridge carried an average of 75,700 cars and 3,840 trucks daily in 2013, representing about 20% of Fraser River vehicle traffic.[12]
In June 2014, the Metro Vancouver Mayors' Council determined that the existing Pattullo Bridge would be demolished and replaced with a new, four-lane, tolled replacement bridge.[4] Construction was expected to take place between 2019 and 2023, with the $1.3 billion funding finalized in 2018.[5][6] It was later decided not to have tolls for the bridge.[10]
On January 3, 2020, the government of British Columbia awarded a contract to Fraser Crossing Partners–a joint venture between Acciona Infrastructure Canada and Aecon Group–to design and construct the new bridge. The contract also included new road connections at the bridgeheads in New Westminster and Surrey.[13]
In February 2021, contractors began installing piles to form the foundation of the bridge tower. This work was temporarily suspended to protect fish habitat.[14]
In the second quarter of 2025, the main span was successfully connected to the south approach, creating a continuous deck into Surrey.[15] By mid-2025, crews were installing barriers, utilities, and expansion joints, with paving scheduled for later in third quarter.[16]
The project budget is CA$1.637 billion, managed by the Transportation Investment Corporation under British Columbia's Community Benefits Agreement.[17] Once the new bridge opens, the existing Pattullo Bridge, built in 1937, will be removed.[18]
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