New West savouring Pattullo closure, but brace for new year

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NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS1130) – People living in New Westminster should be savouring the two days when the Pattullo Bridge will be closed for maintenance next weekend.

That’s because once the Port Mann Bridge tolls are in place in December, they’re expecting around-the-clock heavy traffic through their neighbourhoods.

New Westminster City Councillor Chuck Puchmayr says there’s a huge flaw in the design of the billion-dollar South Fraser Perimeter Road. He tells us eastbound drivers will naturally choose the toll-free Pattullo over the Port Mann because the freeway on-ramp at 176 Street is some 20 kilometres away.

“Going all the way to 176th Street represents a huge additional consumption of fuel for heavy trucks. It’s not good for the environment. Then they have to pay a toll as well. The alternative, taking the Pattullo, puts a lot of anxieties on New Westminster residents,” he explains.

“Our modelling shows that it’s going to have a very severe impact around the clock, whereas now we have severe traffic issues in the morning and in the afternoon,” he adds.

Puchmayr points out the bridge is already gridlocked during rush hour, which heightens the need for a direct connection between the South Fraser Perimeter Road and Highway 1.

The future of the Pattullo Bridge is being debated. It needs upgrades, but expansion is also on the table.

The Pattullo Bridge will be closed from Aug. 17 at 9 p.m. until Aug. 20 at 3 a.m. for repaving.

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