British Columbia

5 months of traffic headaches coming thanks to Pattullo Bridge closures

Drivers are being warned of "significant traffic delays and congestion" from April 29 to Oct. 3 as crews begin a total resurfacing of the Pattullo Bridge.

Crossing from Surrey to New West and vice versa is about to become a lot more difficult starting tonight

TransLink admits commuters will face a challenge when traffic on the Pattullo Bridge is restricted for 18 months starting tonight. (CBC)

Travelling between Surrey and New Westminster is about to become a lot tougher with the start of a five-month rehabilitation project on the 79-year-old Pattullo Bridge.

Drivers are being warned of "significant traffic delays and congestion" from April 29 to Oct. 3 as crews work on resurfacing the entire span. 

The mayors of Surrey and New Westminster are calling for a reduction in the tolls on the Port Mann Bridge while the Pattullo is being upgraded. (CBC)

The closures begin tonight with a complete shut down of the bridge beginning at 8 p.m. PT until Monday, May 2 at 5 a.m. PT when only a single lane in each direction will reopen. 

Full bridge closures will be required twice a week nightly for the duration of the project and again for a four-day stretch from Sept. 30 to Oct 3.

TransLink recommends redirecting to the Port Mann or Alex Fraser Bridge, or budgeting an extra 40 minutes for commuters who still intend to use the Pattullo. 

Pattullo Bridge closure summary:

  • The entire bridge will be closed  April 29 (8:00 p.m. PT) to May 2 (5:00 a.m. PT) to allow crews to set up for construction work.
  • The bridge will also close from the evening of Sept. 30 (8 p.m. PT) to the morning of Oct. 3 (5 a.m PT.) for crews to remove equipment.
  • From May 2 to Sept. 30, the bridge will remain open with one lane in each direction most of the time
  • Truck access will be maintained.
  • Cyclists and pedestrians will have access to the bridge at all times.
  • The bridge will be closed to all traffic two nights a week and one weekend a month.