On Friday, the province revealed the Pattullo Bridge replacement has been delayed for the second time. This vital crossing for Surrey will not be completed and open to traffic until the fall of 2025.
The provincial government has mandated cities to create more housing, yet the province is falling far short on delivering the necessary infrastructure to support that growth. On top of the acute shortage of schools and healthcare facilities in Surrey, the continued delay of the Pattullo crossing is yet another example of the lack of foresight in the housing plan the province has imposed on municipalities.
Furthermore, it was a shortsighted decision to replace a 4-lane bridge with a 4-lane bridge. This was done despite Surrey’s rapidly growing population and increased traffic demands. The province should be investing in modern infrastructure that will support only the needs of the present but also of the future. This lack of foresight in infrastructure investment will not only worsen congestion, but also threatens to stifle the economic growth and development of Surrey.
The Pattullo Bridge was completed in 1937. At that time the population of Surrey was approximately 12,500. With the latest delay announced by the province to the fall of 2025, Surrey’s population is projected to be approximately 700,000. Similarly, with our neighbours to the north in New Westminster, their population has grown from approximately 20,200 in 1937 to 94,000 in 2025.
This delay is only going to compound congestion and frustration for users of this important transportation route in our city. But what is more concerning is that the Ministry is continuing to replace this 4-lane bridge with a 4-lane bridge. The Ministry of Transportation claims that “the bridge will be built to allow for potential future expansion to six lanes.” Well, the future is now, and we need a six-lane Pattullo Bridge today.
Mayor Brenda Locke
City of Surrey
