More traffic headaches are heading for New Westminster this spring.
In order to carry out rehabilitation work on the deck of the Pattullo Bridge, a number of closures are planned for the bridge between late April and September.
In a press release from TransLink Thursday, the transit authority was warning drivers to plan a head an expect delays during the construction.
A list of the traffic changes includes:
- The bridge will close from the evening on April 29 8 p.m. to May 2 at 5 a.m. to allow crews to set up for construction work. The bridge will also close from the evening of Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for crews to remove equipment.
- From May 2 to Sept. 30, the bridge will remain open with one lane in each direction.
- Truck access will be maintained.
- The bridge will be closed to all traffic two nights a week and one weekend a month.
- Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge, even during evening and weekend closures.
- Minor vehicle incidents on the bridge will cause significant delays and potentially a full bridge closure.
“The Pattullo Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the region,” a TransLink press release noted. “Comprehensive deck rehabilitation work is needed to maintain road safety and bridge functionality.”
TransLink is also warning drivers they should plan an extra 20 to 40 minutes of travel time in the morning peak period and 10 to 30 minutes in the afternoon peak period.
The transit authority is also suggesting peoplestart thinking of alternatives which may be faster, like taking transit, using other crossings, travelling outside of peak periods, carpooling and cycling.
TransLink noted six additional parking locations near New Westminster Station, Scott Road Station and Surrey Central Station have been identified, in addition to existing Park-and-Ride lots, to make it easier for drivers to connect to transit. Additional service hours have also been added to the 101, 104, 128, 155, 340 and the 410 bus routes.
