The infamous Pattullo Bridge in Surrey, B.C. has been the scene of so many deadly crashes over the years that there has been talk of twinning it, dividing it with a barrier, or reducing it to three lanes to make driving on it safer.
But a new report, commissioned by the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (Translink), says all that should be scraped, along with the bridge itself.
It calls for the construction of a brand new bridge.
Speaking to CTV, Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says she likes the idea.
"It's about time. I've been talking about that for years, she said.
As Chair of a Translink council of mayors, Watts said she just wants to know who is paying for the new bridge. Once that is decided, she thinks construction can start.
It's a view that is shared by a friend of John Heida, who died in a head-on crash on the bridge four years ago.
Bob Behnke has been fighting for changes ever since. "If [Transport] Minister [Kevin] Falcon said he was going to fast track the bridge, I'd say right on."
But even though he's in favour of a new bridge, Behnke is worried about the danger on the old one while a new one is being built.
"Put photo radar on the bridge, that would get people to slow down," he said.
"According to the Translink report, fixing up the Patullo would only extend its lifespan by another 50 years, and compared to a new bridge, it would likely be more expensive to maintain."
There are four possible sites for the new bridge. But one, located 50 metres downstream, is the preferred spot. It's not the cheapest option, but the study says there would be less impact on homes, businesses, and green space.
Translink board members aren't talking about the report. It's on the agenda at a closed door meeting on Thursday. However, a Translink official says it could take up to ten years to get a new bridge built.
"Maybe I'll die before then. I hope not," said Behnke.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
