Following months of repair work, the Pattullo Bridge completely re-opened Monday.
The opening comes more than a month earlier than TransLink had initially estimated. Drivers had been asked to avoid the bridge since the end of April due to construction including deck repairs that began Apr. 29.
The 79-year-old bridge was down to half of its full capacity with just one lane moving in both directions, and was completely closed for several weekends. Drivers often used alternate routes including the Port Mann Bridge.
According to the Transportation Investment Corporation, the company responsible for the Port Mann, traffic on the bridge was about 15 to 20 per cent higher after construction began on the Pattullo.
New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote wanted drivers to be offered discounted tolls during the construction, but said the early completion date was a benefit to the community.
“There was definitely an impact on our road network with increased congestion. Having said that, we are very pleased TransLink completed the work ahead of schedule and we feel they did a good job managing the project to reduce the effects on the community,” he said in an email to CTV.
Though repair work will continue on the bridge through the fall, lanes will not be closed.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Sheila Scott
