Port Mann Bridge HOV exit raises ire of some commuters

Although the new change on the Port Mann Bridge has been in the works for years and is aimed at offering added convenience and safety, the blocked-off lane and exit to get to the Tri-Cities has raised the ire of some commuters.

The exit in question is number 44. It allows drivers to get off in Coquitlam at United Boulevard but to do so, drivers have to enter a segregated lane just before the 152 Street interchange in Surrey.

As drivers approach that interchange they will need to “follow signs and make a choice” — Burnaby and Vancouver traffic needs to stay left and Coquitlam traffic stays right.

“This change is consistent with a number of other highway improvements as part of the project,” said Max Logan, VP of tolling for Transportation Investment Corporation, who runs the Port Mann Bridge.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This change is consistent with a number of other highway improvements as part of the project," said Max Logan, VP of tolling for Transportation Investment Corporation, who runs the Port Mann Bridge.

“Throughout the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project, on and off ramps have been extended and separated, giving drivers more time and more space to make decisions. This makes the highway safer and is just as important, if not more so, on the bridge.”

But for commuters who take the new Exit 44 heading to Coquitlam, and want to take advantage of the HOV lanes; which gives them an automatic 25 per cent discount (75 cents) per trip, they’re out of luck.

The new westbound exit and segregated lane means missing out on the HOV sensors that automatically deduct the 25 per cent discount off their toll.

“What we want to do is eliminate weaving and lane changes particularly at the last minute,” Logan said.

“But if they want to travel in the HOV lane, and during peak hours they would receive a discount for doing that, then they would need to take the second exit at Brunette Avenue.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "What we want to do is eliminate weaving and lane changes particularly at the last minute," Logan said.</p><p>"But if they want to travel in the HOV lane, and during peak hours they would receive a discount for doing that, then they would need to take the second exit at Brunette Avenue."

TIC said moving the sensors is not an option and acknowledges that by taking the Brunette Avenue exit, it will increase the travel time for some commuters.

But the number of commuters impacted is negligible

“Because safety must always be the first consideration,” Logan says. “We’re asking this small number of drivers — about one to two per cent of daily traffic — to exit at Brunette.”

~ with files from John Hua