After a sudden delay last year that kept plans behind wraps, TransLink is ready to present their Pattullo Bridge replacement to the public later this month.
Citing safety, structural, seismic, and riverbed conditions, TransLink says the bridge must be replaced. Under their current timeline, construction on the new bridge would begin in 2015 with completion by 2018. It is expected to cost between $800 million and $1 billion and is not funded under the recently-approved gas tax increase.
Two options will be presented at community consultations: a 4-lane bridge and a 6-lane bridge. In Surrey, it will directly connect to the South Fraser Perimeter Road, Scott Road, and King George Boulevard, while in New Westminster it will link into McBride Boulevard, Royal Avenue, and Columbia Street.
TransLink states that it is currently “investigating alternative funding sources for the new bridge, including the potential for funding from senior levels of government.” It had previously been expressed that unless new sources could be found, the project would be paid for through tolls. In part due to a tolling backlash from commuters, this so-called search for alternatives is underway.
TransLink will be holding two open houses requesting your feedback on their plans:
February 22nd and 27th from 6:30p – 8:30p at the City Centre Library.
The City of New Westminster, meanwhile, has made a decision to pursue this question outside the TransLink process. The last part of a recent piece in the Royal City Record (http://bit.ly/yUi4Zb) indicates that some in New West would like to move the north end of the Pattullo Bridge a kilometre to the northeast, so it lands in Coquitlam. So would it still be the Pattullo Bridge?
It’s a non starter. TransLink confirms so on its website in the FAQ linked above.