SURREY — If traffic ever bugged you on Pattullo Bridge, you ain't seen nothing yet. Steel your nerves for a real prolonged dose of motoring vexation.
The bridge will be completely closed to traffic between 8 p.m. Friday, April 29 and 5 a.m. Monday, May 2 as the 78-year-old bridge undergoes deck repairs.
It will also be completely closed between 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30th to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3rd for the same reason.
Between May 2nd and Sept. 30th, one lane will be open in either direction, TransLink says, "with the exception of two nights a week and one weekend a month when it will be closed to all traffic, except cyclists and pedestrians."
(SEE VIDEO ABOUT REHAB WORK BELOW)
Truck access will be maintained, however.
It also warns that "unexpected closures and delays can occur" and that commuters can sign up for updates at translink.ca/pattullorehab.
Motorists can expect delays as long as 40 minutes during the morning and afternoon rush hours as a result of the work.
The bridge was opened on Nov. 15, 1937 by Liberal premier Thomas Dufferin Pattullo during a ceremony as 30,000 spectators braved a driving sleet storm. The bridge cost $4 million to build and was a toll bridge until 1952.
Over coming months crews will mill the asphalt surface from the bridge deck, remove the concrete down to the top layer of rebar, repair concrete delamination (a fancy word referring to stuff that's seen better days), clean or replace the rebar and then repave the entire deck with a concrete overlay.
This is expected to extend the bridge's life until a replacement can be built, which itself would entail a five to seven year process.
There is one small mercy: Jackhammering will not be permitted between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.