After years of construction, delays, and significant investment, a new northbound lane on the Pattullo Bridge replacement is finally set to open this Wednesday.
The Ministry of Transportation has not disclosed the exact time when the lane will be operational, but traffic will gradually transition to the new bridge, known as the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge or Riverview Bridge, to finalize connections to the existing roadways on both ends.
This opening marks the beginning of Phase One, with all lanes of the bridge expected to be accessible by February as per the provincial government’s previous announcement.
The upgraded crossing features modern, wider lanes with a center median barrier, as well as expanded walking and cycling paths in both directions. Residents of New Westminster and Surrey can look forward to enhanced connectivity and improved road networks on either side of the new bridge.
Once all four lanes are open, the bridge will restore connections to King George Boulevard in Surrey and McBride Boulevard in New Westminster, along with the opening of the off-ramp to Columbia Street.
However, the full completion of certain parts of the new bridge is contingent on the dismantling of the old crossing, a process estimated to take two years, causing potential disruptions for commuters.