SURREY — Starting this Friday, (Jan. 30, depending on weather conditions), drivers will have a choice as they approach the Port Mann Bridge on Highway 1 westbound.
The highway will be separated by a barrier near 152nd Street and drivers will choose to go right or stay straight. All lanes rejoin at the Port Mann Bridge, but drivers heading for Coquitlam should use the right-hand lanes to avoid the need to change lanes on the bridge.
Click through images above to see map of lane changes.
This traffic pattern change will create room for crews to configure the bridge to its final 10-lane width.
What to expect, according to Transportation Investment Corporation, which manages the bridge:
• Highway 1 westbound will be split into two streams and barrier-separated near 152nd Street to the start of Port Mann Bridge.
• Drivers using Exit 44 for Coquitlam should keep right of the barrier. This will help reduce weaving on the bridge.
• Trucks and slower moving vehicles are also asked to please keep to the right.
• 152nd Street westbound on-ramp traffic will be behind a barrier until the start of Port Mann Bridge.
"This traffic pattern change will create room for crews to configure the bridge to its final 10-lane width and is a preview of the local connection lanes and through-lanes that will be in place when the bridge is complete," noted Jennifer Hine, community relations officer with Tranportation Investment Corporation.
When complete, the 10-lane Port Mann Bridge will include three through-lanes in each direction (including an HOV lane) and two dedicated local connection lanes to and from Surrey and Coquitlam. This will provide traffic with its own lanes according to destination, which improves efficiency and safety, according to Transportation Investment Corporation officials.