$1.22B Pattullo Bridge Replacement Targets Late-2025 Opening in British Columbia

The replacement of the Pattullo Bridge, a key Fraser River crossing connecting Surrey and New Westminster, is nearing completion after multiple delays. The project, managed by British Columbia’s Transportation Investment Corp., is now scheduled to open in late 2025, almost two years later than initially planned.

The new structure is a four-lane cable-stayed bridge that will take the place of the existing 1937 truss bridge, which serves as a vital commuter link across one of the region's busiest corridors.

Project Management and Costs

The design-build-finance contract was awarded in 2020 to Fraser Crossing Partners, a joint venture between Aecon Group Inc. and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc. Initially valued at approximately $1.05 billion, the project's cost has risen to about $1.22 billion, reflecting inflation and currency adjustments.

Delays and Challenges

Construction began as planned in spring 2020, with completion originally set for 2023. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant supply-chain issues, especially affecting steel and cable production. These disruptions extended procurement timelines and delayed the project by nearly two years.

"The pandemic and related supply-chain disruptions—particularly in steel and cable production—extended procurement timelines and pushed delivery nearly two years behind."

The new Pattullo Bridge will greatly enhance connectivity for commuters traveling between Surrey and New Westminster once it opens.

Summary: The $1.22 billion Pattullo Bridge replacement, delayed by pandemic-related supply issues, aims for a late-2025 opening to improve a critical commuter route in British Columbia.

Engineering News-Record — 2025-11-04