Pattullo Bridge upgrades expected to heavily impact commuters

WATCH: TransLink announces major repairs and closures to the Pattullo Bridge beginning in April 2016. John Hua has details and reaction.

NEW WESTMINSTER — One of the oldest bridges in Metro Vancouver is getting a much-needed makeover but the upgrade, which is expected to last for about 18 months, will mean more than a few headaches for commuters.

In order to make the Pattullo Bridge deck functional and safe, TransLink announced it will start upgrading the 78-year-old bridge in mid-2016. The construction means both lane closures and restrictions will be put in place.

Two lanes — one in each direction — will remain open during the day but all lanes will be closed at night and on the weekends. TransLink also notes that during construction, lane widths will be narrow and therefore heavy trucks with three or more axles will not be able to use the bridge.

As for pedestrians and cyclists, they too will need to find another route as the sidewalk will be closed at all times during construction.

TransLink says the restrictions were put together after months of analytical work and consultation with “key stakeholders” like the cities of Surrey and New Westminster, BC Trucking Association, New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Board of Trade, first responders, Port Metro Vancouver and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The transit authority believes the lane closure plan is the best option.

“Keeping one lane operating in each direction during the rehabilitation program ended up being the least impact to everybody and we’re moving forward on that basis,” TransLink vice-president Fred Cummings told Global News.

“We even looked at a total closure of the bridge to see if we could reduce that construction time. Unfortunately the construction time couldn’t be reduced significantly enough to make us move forward in that direction. The impacts were just too great.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Keeping one lane operating in each direction during the rehabilitation program ended up being the least impact to everybody and we're moving forward on that basis," TransLink vice-president Fred Cummings told <em>Global News.</em></p><p>"We even looked at a total closure of the bridge to see if we could reduce that construction time. Unfortunately the construction time couldn't be reduced significantly enough to make us move forward in that direction. The impacts were just too great."

Some commuters who are regular users of the Pattullo Bridge say it’s already too busy and with lane closures it’s only going to get worse.

“Honestly it’s a parking lot,” said one exasperated commuter.

“We have three staff here — I work in the mall — and they go to Surrey everyday and it’s going to be a nightmare.”

Port Metro Vancouver vice president of planning and operations Peter Xotta told Global News in an email that they “look forward to taking part in further discussions with TransLink and other key stakeholders to ensure a sufficient traffic management plan is developed and implemented that considers and mitigates impacts to heavy truck traffic throughout the duration of the Patullo Bridge deck rehabilitation and seismic improvement project.”

TransLink said they will make sure Pattullo Bridge users are told well in advance about their travel options but cautions commuters to start planning ahead and thinking of alternatives like using other crossings, transit, carpooling, or traveling outside of peak periods.