If you’re planning to travel between Surrey and New Westminster in the coming days, get ready for a major change.
The Pattullo Bridge is set to shut down completely for about a week, starting this Friday night. This closure is necessary for crews to link the roads to the new stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge.
Beyond just drivers, local businesses in New Westminster are feeling the effects of this temporary closure. Peter Jorgenson from the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Area acknowledges the challenges ahead but sees a bright side to the situation.
Jorgenson emphasizes that while the construction process has been ongoing for months, the end result will be a brand-new bridge, which is crucial for the area. To those seeking alternatives during the Pattullo closure, he reassures that New Westminster remains accessible, with the convenience of two SkyTrain stops in the downtown area.
Despite the upcoming disruptions, Jorgenson hints at more changes to come when the old Pattullo Bridge eventually undergoes demolition.
The closure kicks off at 8 p.m. this Friday, so plan your travel accordingly.