Port Mann Bridge construction detours begin

Construction of the new 10-lane wide Port Mann Bridge linking Surrey across the Fraser River to Metro Vancouver is expected to slow traffic this week, as crews start work on the new highway interchanges.

Project spokesman Pam Ryan said the groundwork for the Trans Canada highway structure was completed last year and the work will be more visible as the new bridge starts to take shape.

"People this year will really start to see structures coming out of the ground and starting to see how the new improvements are taking shape," said Ryan.

"One of the big changes that will be happening in early March is the way that people in Surrey access the highway," she said.

'There are some minor delays, but we're looking at in the range of ten minutes at the most.' —Project spokesman Pam Ryan

That means highway interchanges are being expanded to handle more lanes, starting with Surrey's busiest interchange at 152nd Street.

More changes to traffic patterns are planned for the summer, but project organizers hope to keep delays to a minimum, said Ryan.

"Depending on the time of day you're traveling, there are some minor delays, but we're looking at in the range of ten minutes at the most.... and certainly we'll be monitoring that," said Ryan.

Drivers can check the project's website for details on which areas will be affected and to view images of the construction, she said.

The cost of the $3.3-billion bridge and the related highway upgrades and long-term financing costs will be paid for by tolls. The new bridge will replace the existing 45-year-old Port Mann Bridge when it is scheduled to be completed in December 2012.