August 13, 2008

New Westminster, BC

TransLink plans to replace Patullo Bridge with six-lane toll route

Sam Van Aert

RCD Research Reporter

The 71-year old Pattullo Bridge, which links the cities of New Westminster and Surrey, will be replaced by a new six-lane toll bridge with a preliminary estimated cost of $1 billion.

TransLink (South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority) recently announced the decision after a final engineering study and report was presented to the board by their engineering consultant, Delcan Corporation.

It was decided that major upgrades such as extensive seismic work and future expansions over the next 50 years did not make financial sense when compared to similar costs for the construction of a new, larger bridge that will last 100 years.

The Pattullo Bridge will be the third toll bridge in the lower mainland. The Golden Ears Bridge and the twinned Port Mann Bridge will also be toll bridges.

Approximately 79,000 vehicles use the Patullo crossing every day. By charging these drivers with tolls, construction can begin earlier, without waiting for adjacent municipalities to contribute additional funds.

Plans are in a conceptual stage and decisions will have to be made on the new structure’s location; either 50 metres downstream or 50 metres upstream from its present location.

TransLink will also consider options for the replacement of a related 104-year-old New Westminster Rail Bridge. Conception-to-construction of the bridge will take 10 years. No construction schedule has been determined at this time.

– RCD Digital Media

The information above was current at time of publication. To provide an update on this particular project, please send an email to eteamcanada@reedbusiness.com.

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