Commuters between New Westminster and Surrey should prepare for significant travel disruptions as the Pattullo Bridge will close its southbound lanes for three consecutive nights starting this week.
Bridge Closure Details and Schedule
The scheduled closures will affect all southbound traffic crossing the Fraser River via the aging Pattullo Bridge. The shutdown is necessary to facilitate construction work on the new bridge replacement project that has been underway throughout 2025.
The current Pattullo Bridge opened in 1937 and has served as a critical transportation link between the two municipalities for nearly nine decades. Construction crews have been actively working on its modern replacement, as captured in photos from July 8, 2025, showing simultaneous work on both structures.
Construction Progress and Timeline
The bridge replacement project represents a significant infrastructure investment for the region. The new structure is being built alongside the existing bridge, which continues to handle daily traffic volumes while showing its age.
Transportation officials emphasize that the overnight closures are timed to minimize disruption to commuters while allowing construction teams to complete essential work that cannot be performed safely with active traffic. The three-night closure period will provide a critical window for construction activities that require full lane access.
Commuter Impacts and Alternative Routes
Drivers who regularly use the Pattullo Bridge for southbound travel during evening and overnight hours should plan for significant detours and potential delays. The closure affects one of the primary river crossings in the region, meaning alternative routes will likely experience increased traffic volumes.
Local transportation authorities recommend that commuters allow extra travel time and consider using other Fraser River crossings during the affected periods. The specific dates and exact timing of the overnight closures were announced in late November 2025, giving regular bridge users advance notice to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The bridge replacement project continues to move forward with the goal of providing a safer, more reliable river crossing for the growing communities of New Westminster and Surrey. These temporary closures represent necessary short-term inconveniences for long-term transportation improvements in the region.
