Major Bridge Closure Alert: Pattullo and stal̕əw̓asəm Bridges to Close for Critical Connection Work

Important Update for Metro Vancouver Commuters

If you're a regular commuter between Surrey and New Westminster, mark your calendars for a significant traffic disruption coming your way. Starting Friday, February 6 at 8 p.m., both the historic Pattullo Bridge and the brand-new stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge will be completely closed to traffic for approximately one week.

What's Happening? 🚧

This round-the-clock closure is a crucial milestone in the bridge replacement project. Construction crews need this uninterrupted time to connect the roadways on both sides of the Fraser River to the new bridge infrastructure. It's the kind of work that can't be done piecemeal—it requires full access to both structures simultaneously.

The closure is expected to last about one week, though as with any major infrastructure project, this timeline is weather-dependent and could shift.

How Will This Affect You? 🚗

During the closure, drivers will need to use alternate routes across the Fraser River. The BC Ministry of Transportation assures us that:

• Detours will be clearly marked with comprehensive signage

• Traffic pattern changes will be well-indicated at all approach points

• Real-time updates will be available on DriveBC

Pro tip: Expect heavier than usual traffic on the Port Mann Bridge, Alex Fraser Bridge, and George Massey Tunnel during this period. Plan extra time for your commute and consider carpooling or using transit where possible.

What Comes Next? 🎉

Once the connection work is complete, both bridges will reopen with a total of four lanes split between them. But the real excitement comes in late February, when:

• All four lanes on the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will open

• The new Royal Avenue on-ramp will become operational

• The region will have a modern, safer crossing for the next generation

About the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge: A New Era Begins

The Name and Its Meaning 🌊

The new bridge's name—stal̕əw̓asəm (pronounced STAHL-oh-AH-səm)—comes from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language spoken by the Kwantlen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band. It beautifully translates to "a space where you can view the river", which perfectly captures the bridge's scenic location over the Fraser River.

The English name, Riverview Bridge, echoes this meaning. This naming represents a significant commitment to reconciliation and acknowledges the historical and ongoing connections that First Nations have to this area. The former Musqueam Indian Reserve No. 1 and Kwantlen Indian Reserve No. 8 were located at qiqéyt, an important village site near the base of the bridge in Surrey.

Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band noted that naming this bridge stal̕əw̓asəm is "a major milestone for hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ revitalization" and demonstrates British Columbia's commitment to acknowledging the true history of the lands and waters.

A Bridge Built for the Future 🏗️

The stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is a state-of-the-art cable-stayed structure that represents a massive upgrade over the aging Pattullo Bridge. Here's what makes it special:

• Four wider lanes (expandable to six in the future)

• Dedicated pedestrian and cycling lanes for active transportation

• BC's tallest bridge tower—a striking architectural feature visible for miles

• Modern safety features including a center median barrier

• Seismically sound design built to withstand earthquakes

• First Nations artwork integrated into the design, with installations on the bridge tower and approaches

The $1.67-billion project began construction in 2021, with the first lane opening to traffic on Christmas Eve 2024—a soft opening that allowed one northbound lane to carry vehicles from Surrey to New Westminster.

The Pattullo Bridge: End of an Era 🏛️

88 Years of Service

The Pattullo Bridge has been an iconic landmark since it opened on November 15, 1937. Named after Premier Thomas Dufferin "Duff" Pattullo, the bridge was built during the Great Depression for $4 million and initially operated as a toll bridge, charging 25 cents per crossing (earning it the nickname "Pay-Toll-O"). The tolls were removed in 1952.

This steel through-arch bridge has served as a vital link for nearly nine decades, carrying an average of 70,000 to 75,700 vehicles daily and handling roughly 20% of Fraser River vehicle traffic. When it opened, Surrey had only about 10,000 residents—by 1951, thanks in large part to the bridge's economic impact, that number had grown to 33,670.

Why Replace It?

While the Pattullo Bridge is an engineering marvel and holds significant heritage value as one of the few remaining steel through-arch bridges in British Columbia, age and safety concerns have necessitated its replacement:

• Seismic vulnerability: The 88-year-old structure isn't built to modern earthquake standards

• Narrow lanes: The four lanes are narrower than current highway standards

• No median barrier: Only plastic pillars separate opposing traffic, contributing to a high accident rate

• No pedestrian/cyclist facilities: Despite high demand for active transportation options

• Structural deterioration: The bridge has been deemed at high risk of catastrophic failure from earthquakes, high winds, or ship strikes

Once the new bridge is fully operational, the historic Pattullo will be carefully dismantled. While some heritage advocates have argued for its preservation, the decision has been made to prioritize public safety and modern transportation needs.

Planning Your Commute 🗺️

Before the Closure

• Check DriveBC regularly for the most up-to-date information: drivebc.ca

• Download the DriveBC app for mobile alerts

• Plan alternate routes ahead of time—don't wait until the closure begins

• Consider transit options like SkyTrain or bus routes that don't rely on this crossing

During the Closure

• Allow extra time—lots of it! Your usual 20-minute commute could easily double

• Avoid peak hours if your schedule allows flexibility

• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on alternate routes

• Stay patient—everyone will be dealing with the same delays

Alternative Crossings

• Alex Fraser Bridge (Highway 91)

• Port Mann Bridge (Highway 1)

• George Massey Tunnel (Highway 99)

Looking Ahead: Regional Transformation 🌟

This closure marks more than just a temporary inconvenience—it's a crucial step in transforming Metro Vancouver's transportation network. Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth has emphasized that the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will "transform the region's transportation network, support people and businesses in the region, and strengthen B.C.'s economy for generations."

The new bridge optimizes the use of existing road networks and travel patterns, improving safety and reliability for everyone who crosses the Fraser River. With wider lanes, modern safety features, and dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, it represents the kind of infrastructure investment that will serve the region well into the future.

Stay Informed 📱

For the most current information about the closure and reopening:

• Visit DriveBC: www.drivebc.ca

• Follow @DriveBC on social media

• Check local news for updates

• Sign up for alerts through the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project website

Quick Facts:

• Closure Start: Friday, February 6, 8 p.m.

• Expected Duration: Approximately one week (24/7)

• Reason: Connecting roadways to new bridge

• Full Opening: Late February (all four lanes + Royal Avenue on-ramp)

• Project Cost: $1.67 billion

• Daily Traffic: ~70,000+ vehicles

This closure represents the home stretch of a project decades in the making. Yes, it will cause temporary inconvenience, but the payoff—a modern, safe, beautiful bridge that honors First Nations heritage while serving the region's transportation needs—will be well worth the wait.

Plan ahead, stay patient, and soon we'll all be enjoying safer, smoother crossings on the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge!

Have you driven on the new bridge yet? What are your memories of the old Pattullo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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