Having developed 25 alternatives for the Pattullo Bridge, TransLink, New Westminster and Surrey are reaching out to residents to get their input.
A newly-released discussion guide outlines the status of the Pattullo Bridge review process and kicks off a series of public open houses and small group meetings beginning this week. TransLink has been pondering the fate of the 1937 Pattullo Bridge that doesn't meet current seismic standards or roadway guidelines for lane widths and curvature.
"We heard loud and clear last year what they wanted so we have been working hard - Surrey, New West and TransLink - to give them what they asked for," said Darren Woodworth, senior project manager with TransLink. "This is the result of all the hard work."
During last year's consultation process concerning the Pattullo Bridge replacement project, TransLink proposed four alignments of a six-lane bridge near the existing crossing. Many New West residents voiced concerns about the impact the options would have on community livability and safety.
The newly released discussion guide includes 25 alternatives, including crossings at the exiting corridor, the Sapperton Bar corridor and the Tree Island corridor.
"We are showing all 25 alternatives. We are asking for the public's point of view, what are their thoughts on all 25. Is there something we have missed, something we should consider?" Woodworth said. "It's important that public feedback be part of this process in evaluating how we move forward."
Although all 25 options are being put out to the public for its consideration, staff from TransLink, New West and Surrey have identified six alternatives they believe merit further evaluation. These include: rehabilitating the existing Pattullo Bridge to three or four lanes; building a new four-, five-or six-lane bridge at the existing crossing; or building a new four-lane Surrey to Coquitlam Bridge (with a two-or three-lane rehabilitation to the existing Pattullo Bridge).
The options that haven't been recommended include having no bridge, rehabilitating the Pattullo Bride for pedestrian and cyclist use only, rehabilitating the bridge to two lanes, building a new eight-lane bridge and building a new tunnel.
In New Westminster, open houses are being held: Thursday, June 6, 6 to 8 p.m., Sapperton Pensioners Hall (318 Keary St.); Tuesday, June 11, 5 to 8 p.m., Inn at the Quay (900 Quayside Dr.); and Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Inn at the Quay. The first half of the open house will be a drop-in format, followed by a 30-minute presentation and a 60-minute question and answer session.
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