One of the consequence of tolling the new Port Mann Bridge is an increase in heavy trucks using the Pattullo Bridge, and critics say it’s putting added pressure on the aging infrastructure.
The most recent report on the 76-year-old bridge has found that it may not survive a moderate earthquake or ship collision.
Now, residents are concerned that the increase in commuters and heavy trucks avoiding the tolled bridge may damage the bridge even further.
Since the new Port Mann Bridge opened, 3,700 more vehicles use the Pattullo Bridge every day and truck traffic has increased by 63 per cent.
New Westminster city staff is asking TransLink and the province to look at ways to get trucks off the Pattullo completely because of congestion and safety issues.
TransLink has come up with six options for what to do with the bridge, including a $300 million upgrade and an option to build a $1 billion new bridge.
With files from Darlene Heidemann
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