Drivers beware: Pattullo Bridge overnight lane closures planned for maintenance work

NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – You may want to avoid taking the Pattullo Bridge if you’re driving late at night next week.

The bridge will be blocked in alternating directions for maintenance and annual inspections starting this weekend until August 2nd.

Southbound closures will take place during the following times:

  • Sunday, July 28, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
  • Monday, July 29, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

Northbound closures will take place during the following times:

  • Tuesday, July 30, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
  • Wednesday, July 31, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 1, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
  • Friday August 2, 2019: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

TransLink says the work is being done to improve and ensure bridge safety. During the yearly inspections, crews check the underside of the bridge deck to make sure things are working properly.

Buses that will be impacted by the closures — mainly the N19 — will be re-routed to take the Queensborough bridge. Drivers are being asked to take the Port Mann or Alex Fraser bridges as alternatives if they can during the work times. Cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles will still be able to use the crossing while the maintenance work is being done.

Sensors to be installed

Crews are planning to install a number of safety sensors on the aging Pattullo Bridge.

They include early seismic warning and monitoring systems, as well as wind monitoring sensors. If an earthquake or high wind speeds are detected on the bridge once the sensors go in, the province says its new system will be able to block traffic in an effort to keep people safe.

Fibre-optic cables and advanced warning lights and signs are also being installed.

The bridge is expected to be replaced by 2023.

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