Traffic pattern changes are coming to stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge this weekend, and drivers and commuters making the trip between Surrey and New Westminster are being warned of impacts.
Fraser Crossing Partners, the designers, builders, and partial financiers of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge (Riverview Bridge), has announced that a weekend closure of King George Boulevard southbound at the bridgehead will be in place.
The closures on the bridge are to allow crews to finish the final layer of paving works, and one northbound lane on the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will also be closed. Drivers heading southbound on the bridge can only exit onto Highway 17 westbound.
Work is expected to begin on Friday, Oct. 16, at 9 p.m. and continue until Monday, Oct. 19, at approximately 5 a.m.
Fraser Crossing Partners
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“All traffic pattern changes will be well signed, and traffic control personnel will be on site to assist as required,” explained Fraser Crossing Partners in a public advisory.
“Information will also be communicated via traffic media and posted on DriveBC.ca.”
The paving work is weather-dependent and will take place around the clock. Users may experience longer-than-normal travel times due to the closures on the bridge.
Fraser Crossing Partners also noted that a weekend northbound directional closure of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is slated for Oct. 23 to 26, with more details to be announced soon.
Fraser Crossing Partners
Beside the new crossing, the old Pattullo Bridge has lost its most recognizable feature, with its orange steel arch — a product of the Great Depression period — now removed and lowered onto barges on the Fraser River.
The Thanksgiving long weekend operation left a large gap between the remaining sections of the crossing, marking one of the most visible milestones in the gradual dismantling of the 1937-built bridge between Surrey and New Westminster.
Dismantling of the arch of the old Pattullo Bridge, Oct. 10, 2026. (FRPD – Fraser River Pile and Dredge)
Carefully dismantling such a large section of the bridge in a single piece was an engineering feat in its own right.
Sparks cascaded from the steel structure as crews separated the central span from the rest of the bridge. The giant arch then rested on supports aboard barges, far below its former position above the river.
After significant preparation, the cutting and lowering process began on Saturday evening, Oct. 10, and continued overnight, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 11.
With files from Kenneth Chan