Translate Page

About Translation

Connect to Delta

Pattullo Bridge Closure

January 21, 2009

The Pattullo Bridge is closed to all traffic (vehicle, bicycle and foot) until further notice due to a fire at the south end of the bridge. A 60 foot section of the bridge was damaged by the fire and will require replacement. Cause of the fire is under investigation by Surrey RCMP. The damaged section of the bridge will be demolished shortly.

The final design of the replacement is underway and will be completed shortly and based on the availability of materials the reconstruction will begin as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Transportation has pledged its support to assist in getting the bridge re-opened as soon as possible.

Traffic and Transit Options for Commuters:

  • The Pattullo handles about 20 per cent of vehicle traffic across the Fraser River. As such, as motorists and commercial operators divert primarily to the Port Mann and Alex Fraser Bridges and the George Massey Tunnel - all motorists should expect additional traffic congestion and longer travel times.
  • There will be additional demand on SkyTrains and bus routes for transit customers travelling between Surrey and the New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver areas - transit passengers should expect delays and crowding on routes crossing the Fraser River.
  • Motorists and transit passengers leaving the South of Fraser to destinations in Vancouver, Burnaby, the Tri-Cities and New Westminster are asked to plan for earlier trips (prior to 7 am) or later trips (after 9 am) to avoid the peak demand periods.
  • Rideshare with neighbours or work mates. TransLink provides on-line ridesharing services via: http://online.ride-share.com/en/my/
  • The RCMP advises that they will step up enforcement on HOV lanes.
  • Teleworking (work from home) is encouraged if possible.
  • Bicycle access to SkyTrain is suspended until further notice due to capacity limitations.
  • For commuters who normally drive through New Westminster to Surrey, there is ample parking available in New Westminster's Front Street Parkade near the New Westminster and Columbia SkyTrain stations.
  • Emergency services are already planning their contingencies to attend emergencies and provide ambulance services while the Pattullo remains out of service.
  • SkyTrain will add from two to four additional trains between Scott Road and Waterfront Stations to provide extra capacity in the peak period.
  • There will be ten additional trains left in service in the off-peak periods.
  • SkyTrain will begin service at 4:30 am.
  • Peak service will be maintained as long as necessary into the mid day and evening.
  • CMBC will supply extra buses to increase services as required on existing routes, plus additional service where necessary to support the extra SkyTrain capacity.
  • Discussions will be held with Surrey and New Westminster to provide more on-street parking areas for buses near SkyTrain stations.

Please check TransLink's website for updates on the status of the Pattullo Bridge at www.translink.bc.ca.

[ back to top ]