Pattullo Bridge Replacement Nears Completion in British Columbia
The long-awaited replacement of the Pattullo Bridge, a key crossing over the Fraser River connecting Surrey and New Westminster, is entering its final construction phase. The project, managed by British Columbia’s Transportation Investment Corp., aims for an opening by late 2025, approximately two years later than originally planned.
Project Overview
The new structure will be a four-lane cable-stayed bridge, replacing the aging 1937 truss bridge that serves one of the busiest commuter routes in the region.
Contract and Costs
- The design-build-finance contract was awarded in 2020 to Fraser Crossing Partners, a joint venture between Aecon Group Inc. and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc.
- Initial project value at financial close was about $1.05 billion.
- Updated provincial figures now estimate the total cost at approximately $1.22 billion, reflecting inflation and currency changes.
Delays and Challenges
Originally scheduled to start in spring 2020 with completion by 2023, the project faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions in supply chains, notably in steel and cable production.
“The pandemic and related supply-chain disruptions—particularly in steel and cable production—extended procurement timelines and pushed delivery nearly two years behind.”
Impact on Commutes
This new bridge will significantly improve traffic flow and safety on the Fraser River crossing, addressing long-standing congestion and infrastructure concerns.
Author's summary: The Pattullo Bridge replacement project, delayed by nearly two years due to pandemic disruptions, is set to open by late 2025 and will drastically enhance transit between Surrey and New Westminster.