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Public can weigh in on Pattullo Bridge replacement project

The Pattullo Bridge between Surrey and New Westminster is seen in an undated TransLink file photo.
The Pattullo Bridge between Surrey and New Westminster is seen in an undated TransLink file photo. On Mon. May 8, 2023, New Westminster's council signalled its approval for a three-day party to say farewell to the bridge, which is slated for replacement and decommissioning. TransLink

The public has been given the chance to weigh in on the Pattullo Bridge replacement project.

At the first of several open houses, the public was given the opportunity to review how roads in Surrey and New Westminster would connect to a new crossing.

A four-lane toll bridge has been envisioned to replace the aging Pattullo.

“[My] greatest concern would be that the forward-thinking on this bridge would be much greater than the thinking that went, in 1936, to the old Pattullo Bridge, which was good for the time,” said one attendee of the open house.

“But in this day and age we can do much better.”

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New Westminster Mayor Jonathan X. Cote said in March that the Pattullo saw a jump from 60,000 to 80,000 trips each day since the Port Mann tolls took effect, causing congestion to spread throughout bordering communities.

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Transportation Minister Todd Stone has said toll-free options must be available as part of the province’s tolling policy. He added the Pattullo is not under the ministry’s jurisdiction despite committing to pay a third of the cost.

“The decision respecting a toll on the Pattullo is a decision for the mayors and TransLink to make,” Stone said.

-With files from John Hua

 

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