TransLink is planning to replace a 1910-built bridge across the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver

The new Pattullo Bridge will gradually open to vehicle traffic in four phases this winter

Traffic data from AI-powered sensors used to consider new replacement bridge to Vancouver International Airport

This is how the new George Massey Tunnel will be built

What the first year of building Surrey-Langley SkyTrain looks like

Third crossing between North Shore and Vancouver a 'necessity': petition

The historic crossing is now deteriorating at an accelerated rate.

Over the past decade, TransLink has made continuous investments to maintain and rehabilitate the bridge’s aging components and structure. Starting in early 2026, as the latest interim measure to extend its lifespan, there will also be some repairs to the structure, scour protection, and swing span, as well as the timber piers, planks, and decking.

However, ongoing maintenance to keep the bridge safe and its swing-span mechanism operational can only go so far for a wooden structure that was originally designed to last 60 years, but is now 115 years old.

In addition to its age, the bridge has low clearances, cannot support the weight of semi-trucks needed to better serve the island’s farm businesses, lacks pedestrian and cycling pathways, and has a swing-span mechanism that can freeze and seize during sub-zero temperatures, requiring marine traffic to take lengthy detours until temperatures warm up.

This past summer, TransLink conducted a bidding process seeking a design and engineering team to create the concept of a new replacement bridge. The public transit authority received nine proposals, with the contract award expected to take place before the end of 2025.

The selected consultant will work with TransLink and the City of Delta on the new crossing’s concept design, and perform technical investigations at the location and public consultation. TransLink has set aside $2 million for the existing bridge’s rehabilitation work in 2026 and $3 million for the concept design and planning process for a new bridge. No timeline and construction cost estimate has been established for building the new crossing.

Prior to the construction of this bridge over a century ago, Westham Island was linked to the mainland by a ferry that first began operating in the area in the 1800s. It has also been featured in film and television productions over the years.

In addition to the various SkyTrain bridges that cross the river, TransLink also owns and operates the Knight Street Bridge, the Golden Ears Bridge, and the original Pattullo Bridge. Once the old Pattullo Bridge is decommissioned in early 2026 — following the full opening of the new replacement bridge to vehicle traffic — TransLink will have one fewer major crossing to manage, as the new replacement bridge will be owned and operated by the provincial government. Moving forward, this will provide TransLink with some major annual operating and maintenance cost savings.

The provincial government and Vancouver Airport Authority are also in the early stages of considering building a new replacement for the aging Moray Bridge, which is a critically important bridge with two vehicle lanes of eastbound-only traffic. This swing bridge directly connects Richmond’s main island to the airport’s Sea Island, but it also plays a critical function in linking Vancouver with areas south of the Fraser via the Arthur Laing Bridge.

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