Skip to content

We need to discuss the Patullo Bridge

To the editor; There has been a great deal of concern over the last six moths that there was to be a change in the Government (and TransLink) view on the solution to replacing or refurbishing of the 74 year old Pattullo Bridge connecting Surrey with New Westminster.

To the editor;

There has been a great deal of concern over the last six moths that there was to be a change in the Government (and TransLink) view on the solution to replacing or refurbishing of the 74 year old Pattullo Bridge connecting Surrey with New Westminster.

In the fall of 2010, it was learned that the Department of Transportation had asked TransLink to review its plans for the crossing and investigate whether or not refurbishing the span would be a satisfactory alternative to building a new bridge.

For quite a long time now, it appeared that there was no alternative to replacement being considered, and when the request came to light, there was considerable concern that a less than satisfactory conclusion would be decided ie; not to replace the bridge.

Subsequently, TransLink has announced that the only viable solution would be to replace the bridge, however there is still some concern that they may opt for a four lane span rather than the six lane structure that many agree is the appropriate solution to now and future needs.

There is still some discussion as to how the bridge would be paid for, so the Surrey Board of Trade can wait until an overall funding position for TransLink is determined before taking a position on that.

The Surrey Board of Trade, as Surrey’s business organization endorses and supports the construction of a new, six lane bridge to replace the old span.

 

Anita Patil Huberman,

CEO, Surrey Board of Trade