New Pattullo Bridge Plans

The Pattullo Bridge is long overdue for an upgrade and Translink has recently announced a set of preview events so that the public can review the proposed plans.

Photo credit: waferboard on Flickr

Open House:
September 14th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Chuck Baillie Community Centre at 13458-107A Avenue, Surrey

September 21st from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Justice Institute at 715 McBride Boulevard, New Westminster

The open houses have been rescheduled to an unknown time in November.

TransLink plans to present several options, including their preferred one, to audiences in Surrey and New Westminster this month. Access on the Surrey side will remain relatively similar to the existing configuration, save for some modifications to 128 St and Scott Road. The major change will be the removal of access to the bridge from Royal Avenue in New Westminster, although connections will remain to Columbia St, McBride Boulevard, and Front St. Following the consultation meetings, TransLink will present a preferred plan to Surrey and New Wesminster councils. [CivicSurrey]

The bridge opened in 1937 (with tolls) and since that time it has been unable to expand and accommodate the growing needs of the traffic crossing the Fraser each day. Built for vehicles that pale in comparison to the semi truck trailers and SUV’s of today, the lanes, grades, and angles of the bridge make it a dangerous crossing for motorists at all hours of the day.

Should the new Pattullo Bridge be tolled, that would mean every single Fraser River crossing direct to Surrey will have a toll.

Photo credit: waferboard on Flickr

I have been writing about the dangers of the bridge and its ridiculous condition for four years now and along with the 70,000 drivers who use it each day, I can’t wait to see the new plans.