Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project is a major transportation investment that will enhance connectivity, improve safety, and support the movement of people and goods across the Fraser River near Vancouver, British Columbia. Replacing a bridge that has served the region for more than eight decades, the project will provide a modern crossing designed to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area.
ACCIONA, as part of Fraser Crossing Partners, was selected by the Province of British Columbia to design, build, partially finance, and maintain the new Pattullo Bridge. The project includes construction of a new cable-stayed bridge spanning the Fraser River, as well as significant road and interchange improvements on both sides of the crossing to improve traffic flow between the cities of Surrey and New Westminster.
The new bridge has been designed to improve safety, reliability, and environmental performance for all users. It features four traffic lanes with modern lane widths, two in each direction, separated by a central median to enhance vehicle safety. Dedicated walking and cycling paths on both sides of the bridge provide safe, accessible routes that are physically separated from vehicle traffic. The cable-stayed design requires only a single pier within the Fraser River, improving river flow while reducing in-river obstructions and minimizing environmental impacts. The project also includes the removal of the existing Pattullo Bridge once the new crossing is operational.
Beyond replacing aging infrastructure, the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project will strengthen regional mobility by providing a safer, more reliable, and more efficient crossing between Surrey and New Westminster. Improved roadway connections, reduced congestion, dedicated walking and cycling facilities, and a modern cable-stayed design featuring a single in-river pier will enhance travel for commuters, businesses, and commercial traffic while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting Metro Vancouver's long-term transportation needs.
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
- Client: Province of British Columbia
- Location: Surrey and New Westminster, British Columbia
- Contract Type: Design, Build, Finance (DBF)
- Contract Value: $1.37 Billion
- Project Team: Fraser Crossing Partners – ACCIONA and Aecon
- Project Status: Under Construction
PROJECT SCOPE
- Four-lane 1,330 m cable-stayed bridge spanning the Fraser River
- Two traffic lanes in each direction with modern lane widths and a central median
- Dedicated walking and cycling paths on both sides of the bridge
- Construction of roadway connections and interchange improvements at both bridge approaches
- Removal and decommissioning of the existing Pattullo Bridge
- Integration of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure separated from vehicle traffic
INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project incorporates modern bridge engineering to improve safety, durability, and long-term performance. Its cable-stayed design requires only a single in-river pier, reducing obstructions within the Fraser River, improving hydraulic performance, and minimizing impacts on the aquatic environment. Dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure encourages active transportation while creating safer travel options for all users. Together with improved roadway connections and modern design standards, the project enhances regional mobility while supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of Metro Vancouver's transportation network.
The project also enhances transportation efficiency by improving roadway connections and reducing congestion at key access points. By replacing aging infrastructure with a modern crossing designed to current standards, the project will support the region's long-term transportation needs while improving mobility and accessibility across the Fraser River.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Fraser Crossing Partners was recognized for its innovative approach to in-river foundation construction, pertaining to the design and implementation of pile caps for the S1 and N1 piers of the Pattullo Bridge replacement project. In this method, the process involves initial drilling of 2 or 3 steel piles followed by the assembly of precast slabs. During low tide the slabs were placed over the steel piles using unique connections engineered to ensure a water-tight seal around the piles. Once completed they provided establishment of a watertight cap that, with its sealed connections and perimeter, creates a dry and secure working environment in the midst of the river, optimizing safety and efficiency during construction activities.