FAQ

Some frequently asked questions the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project are below.

The new four-lane, toll-free bridge will improve safety and reliability for drivers, cyclists and walkers, as well as goods movement.
It will have modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre median barrier that will improve safety and ease of travel on this corridor.
Wider walking and cycling paths on both sides of the bridge will be separated from traffic by a barrier, and there will be viewing platforms on each side of the bridge for walkers and cyclists.

The Mayors’ Council approved a four-lane bridge designed not to preclude a potential future expansion to six lanes.
The Province will monitor the new bridge’s traffic performance and will consult with the municipalities and the Mayors’ Council to develop an appropriate response to the bridge’s traffic performance.
Expansion to six lanes would be put into place only after consultation among the Province, First Nations, the cities of New Westminster and Surrey and the Mayors’ Council.
If the bridge were to be expanded, the walking and cycling lanes would become vehicle lanes, and new walking and cycling paths would be added to the outside of the bridge, cantilevered from the existing structure.

The Pattullo Bridge replacement cables will not cross over any travelling lanes.
This will help mitigate the risk of snow and ice on the cables potentially falling on travelling lanes.
In addition, the new bridge will have a snow and ice removal system that will be deployed remotely, similar to the system on the Port Mann bridge.
Once open, Ministry of Transportation & Transit staff will monitor the bridge closely to manage any snow and ice-related issues that may occur.

The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project is being delivered under the Province’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) is responsible for implementing the CBA for the project and is the employer for workers on the project.
BCIB is actively recruiting. With a focus on local hiring, BCIB gives British Columbians access to work opportunities in their communities.
Indigenous peoples, women and other traditionally underrepresented groups receive priority access to employment and training opportunities at BCIB.
Through BCIB, this project will grow and mobilize a safe, diverse and skilled workforce and increase opportunities for apprenticeships.
To apply for work or to learn more about BCIB, please visit www.bcib.ca

Replacement options for the aging Pattullo Bridge have undergone broad and extensive review, and there have been multiple opportunities for public input.
Since 2013, there were three rounds of public engagement led by TransLink. Results of these engagements can be found here on the TransLink project page.
There were also three public comments periods held through the environmental assessment process. More information about the environmental assessment process can be found on the EAO’s website.
The Project team continues to engage with the public and stakeholders through a construction communications and engagement program.

New high-quality walking and cycling paths connecting to the bridge will provide safe and convenient transportation options, and will connect to the BC Parkway and Central Valley Greenway, as well as the future Agnes Street Greenway.
Improved walking and cycling connections also will facilitate better east-west travel across the city, improving the connection between the Victoria Hill neighbourhood and downtown New Westminster.
Aerial renderings of the walking and cycling connections can be found here.

In New Westminster, the bridge will continue to connect directly to and from McBride Boulevard and Royal Avenue.
A new direct off-ramp will connect northbound bridge traffic to East Columbia Street, and a new on-ramp from East Columbia Street will be open all the time, enabling 24-hour access for southbound bridge traffic. These new connections will reduce the reliance on local streets to access the bridge.
Aerial renderings of the connections can be found here.

As part of the Project, the East Columbia and McBride intersection will be improved so it’s safer for walkers, cyclists and drivers.
A section of the Woodlands wall has been relocated, allowing for improved sightlines for westbound traffic.
Walkers and cyclists will be able to safely cross McBride on a new separated crosswalk.
New multi-use paths on both sides of McBride Boulevard will improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity in the area.

The McBride Boulevard and East Columbia Street intersection requires modification to improve safety and to accommodate the new direct East Columbia off-ramp from the new bridge.
These changes require the alteration of a portion of the Woodlands heritage wall.
In Fall 2021, the Project received a Heritage Alteration Permit from the City of New Westminster to remove approximately 85 metres of the wall at the corner of McBride and East Columbia.
The wall is being rebuilt further to the north of East Columbia, and the wrought iron will be salvaged and reinstalled on the new wall.
More information can be found on our Community Engagement page.

The existing bridge will continue operating until the new one is open, after which the existing bridge will be removed.
Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction; however, in some instances there may be temporary disruptions which will be communicated in advance.
The Project team communicates traffic pattern changes through regular updates to the Project website and social media, emailed construction bulletins, road signage for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and traffic media advisories.