Pattullo Bridge Set to Open in Phases Starting December 2025

The new Pattullo Bridge, a crucial infrastructure project in British Columbia, is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic in phases beginning in December 2025. This development marks a significant milestone in the replacement of the aging structure, which has long been deemed a safety risk due to its deteriorating condition.

Recent updates from the Government of British Columbia indicate that the bridge has reached a pivotal point in construction. With all 80 cables and the final steel girders installed, crews have begun laying asphalt on portions of the bridge deck that spans the Fraser River. Although the project is entering its final stages, substantial work remains, necessitating a phased approach to the opening.

Phased Opening Timeline and Future Plans

The initial phase of the bridge’s opening is set for Christmas 2025, but it will be a partial opening. During this phase, the existing Royal Avenue on-ramp to the old bridge will close to facilitate the necessary connections to the new bridge on the New Westminster side. Following this, there will be a temporary closure of both the old and new bridges to allow crews to complete additional road network connections in the area.

On opening day, the new bridge will support westbound traffic on its two westbound lanes, while the old bridge will continue to accommodate eastbound traffic. This new configuration will connect to McBride Boulevard and feature an off-ramp leading to East Columbia Street in New Westminster, with the Surrey side linking to King George Boulevard. The Royal Avenue on-ramp is expected to remain closed for approximately two weeks post-opening while a replacement on-ramp is constructed.

By January 2026, the old Pattullo Bridge, which has served the community for 88 years, will permanently close. Eastbound traffic will then transition to the new structure.

Completion and Demolition Plans

The final road connections on both sides of the Fraser River hinge on the demolition of parts of the old bridge, as its structure overlaps with the new on- and off-ramp plans. A full opening of the new bridge is anticipated to coincide with a month-long closure of Columbia Street between McBride Boulevard and Elliot Street, necessary for the demolition of the old bridge and the construction of a new loop on-ramp.

After Columbia Street reopens, crews will require an additional three months to complete the new loop on-ramp, with full access expected by early Spring 2026. On the Surrey side, nighttime and weekend closures of Highway 17 and Bridge Road will occur to facilitate demolition and the construction of a new off-ramp from the new bridge.

The complete removal of the old bridge’s structure, both above and underwater, is projected to commence in early 2027, concluding the entire project by mid-2027.

The project originally began in Spring 2021, with an anticipated opening date of late 2023. However, delays attributed to the pandemic and environmental considerations pushed the timeline back, leading to an increase in costs from $1.38 billion to $1.64 billion.

The new Pattullo Bridge is designed to address safety concerns associated with the original structure, which posed significant risks due to its age and condition. The old bridge, carrying an average of 70,000 vehicles daily, was found to be vulnerable to catastrophic failures from moderate earthquakes or high winds. In response, TransLink implemented an earthquake and wind warning system in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for a replacement.

While the new bridge is expected to offer improved safety and efficiency, some officials have expressed concerns over the decision to maintain a four-lane configuration, advocating for a six-lane structure to better accommodate the growing traffic demands in the South of Fraser region. The provincial government asserts that the new design allows for future expansion and enhanced traffic flow, with wider lanes and improved road connections.

As the Pattullo Bridge project moves towards completion, it remains a critical infrastructure development, ensuring ongoing safety and connectivity for the communities it serves.