Drivers got a glimpse into the future of travel between Pitt Meadows and Port Coquitlam Sunday with a partial opening of the new Pitt River Bridge.
The completed crossing will have three lanes heading west and four heading east. The counterflow lane will no longer exist.
The $198 million bridge is part of the province's Gateway program, which is aimed at reducing congestion. It also includes twinning the Port Mann Bridge.
Commuters are hoping the new bridge will cut down on their driving time.
"I drive over Pitt River and Port Mann to get to work so it'll hopefully alleviate a lot of congestion for me," one driver told CTV News.
The province will front $108 million of the cost for the new bridge, with the federal government kicking in the other $90 million.
The province says the new Pitt River Bridge has been designed to accommodate future rapid transit.
"I think that's the beauty of the current program," Gateway Executive Director Geoff Freer said.
"Actually there's some excellent new bike lanes and pedestrian space on the north side of the new bridge."
While drivers got a preview this weekend, the real test will be Monday's rush hour. The bridge is set to open completely sometime later this fall.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
