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

The major Fraser River crossing between Surrey and New Westminster is finally nearing completion after years of setbacks. The new bridge promises to significantly improve commuter traffic between the two cities once it opens in late 2025, nearly two years later than first planned.

Project Overview

The four-lane cable-stayed structure will replace the aging 1937 truss bridge, which has long served as a vital connection across one of British Columbia’s busiest corridors. The modern design aims to enhance safety and accommodate future traffic growth.

Construction and Partnership

The project is managed by the province’s Transportation Investment Corporation. In 2020, it awarded the design-build-finance contract to Fraser Crossing Partners, a joint venture formed by Aecon Group Inc. and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc.

Cost and Schedule

Initial project cost at financial close: approximately $1.05 billion
Updated estimated total cost: about $1.22 billion after inflation and currency adjustments
Original completion: 2023
New target: late 2025

Delays and Challenges

Work began later than expected due to the pandemic and global supply-chain issues, particularly those affecting steel and cable manufacturing. These disruptions added nearly two years to procurement and delivery timelines.

"The project’s completion has been pushed to late 2025, nearly two years beyond the original schedule."

Author’s Summary

The long-awaited Pattullo Bridge replacement aims to relieve congestion and modernize transport links across the Fraser River, though its cost and timeline have grown notably since 2020.

Engineering News-Record — 2025-11-03