On Wednesday, November 15, 2017 the Pattullo Bridge turns 80 years old! Much like an annual physical, we undertake ongoing inspections to ensure the bridge remains safe until its replacement is completed in 2023. We will be closing two lanes of the bridge each night from November 13 – 16, and then again on November 20 to allow a snooper truck to inspect the underside of the bridge deck. The lane closures will take place overnight between 10:00 p.m and 5:00 a.m as follows:

• November 13 and 20: travel will be southbound only (New Westminster heading to Surrey)
• November 14, 15 and 16: travel will be northbound only (Surrey heading New Westminster)

What’s a snooper truck?

A snooper truck is a one of a kind bridge inspection vehicle from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. A hybrid crane truck, the arm on this vehicle is capable of reaching 14 metres above bridges as well as 23 metres below bridges!

During the closure, we encourage drivers to plan alternate routes to cross the Fraser River via the Alex Fraser Bridge or Port Mann Bridge. Additionally, the N19 NightBus will be re-routed via the Alex Fraser and Queensborough Bridges between New Westminster and Scott Road Stations. Customers should plan on longer travel time. While the bridge deck will be closed to vehicle traffic (aside from emergency vehicles), the sidewalk will remain open for cyclists and pedestrians. There may be brief traffic holds on the roadways under the bridge, including Bridge Road, and 111a Avenue/112 Avenue in Surrey.

A huge THANK YOU to drivers for your patience while we work to keep the Pattullo Bridge safe for all users.

Want to learn more about Pattullo projects?
Visit translink.ca/pattullorehab and translink.ca/pattulloreplacement.

Author: Sarah Kertcher