After four years of construction, the opening of the new Pattullo Bridge seems closer than ever. The province recently announced that the bridge is set to be operational by Christmas 2025, following delays in the initial timeline.
British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Transit, Mike Farnworth, along with representatives from the Musqueam Indian Band and Kwantlen First Nation, will provide updates on the new bridge at a media event in Surrey next Monday. Speculations suggest that the announcement may involve naming rights for the bridge.
Originally planned to open in 2023, the bridge’s opening date was postponed, with assurances that it would be available for use this fall. However, it now appears that only partial openings will occur later this month, with a phased approach to move traffic onto the new bridge while construction continues on both ends.
Once fully operational, the four-lane bridge will restore connections to King George Boulevard in Surrey and McBride Boulevard in New Westminster, including the opening of the off-ramp to Columbia Street. However, completion of certain parts of the new bridge is contingent on the dismantling of the old structure, a process anticipated to span two years.
With wider lanes, barriers for separation, and designated walking and cycling paths, the new Pattullo Bridge aims to enhance safety and accessibility for commuters. The total project cost is estimated at $1.637 billion.