pattullo bridge replacement

New Name, New Era: The Official Debut of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge

The decades-long wait for a modern crossing over the Fraser River has culminated in a historic moment for British Columbia. The replacement for the aging Pattullo Bridge is no longer just a construction project—it is a tangible reality, proudly bearing a name that honours the land's deep history.

In a significant development for Lower Mainland commuters and the Semiahmoo First Nation, the new bridge has been officially named stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge. This naming marks the final chapter in the replacement of the 1937 structure, promising safer travel, improved traffic flow, and a new landmark of reconciliation.

A Name Rooted in History

The most profound recent development is the revelation of the bridge's official identity. While many locals simply referred to it as the "New Pattullo," the provincial government has formalized its identity with a name of deep cultural significance: stal̕əw̓asəm (stah-lo-wah-sum).

According to Global News, this name translates to "the place where the river flows" in the Semiahmoo language. The choice represents a major step in the province’s commitment to reconciliation, integrating Indigenous heritage directly into critical infrastructure.

The British Columbia government formally announced the name, noting that it was gifted by the Semiahmoo First Nation. As stated in their official release, the name reflects the bridge’s location and the enduring connection of the Semiahmoo people to the Fraser River.

The Long Road to Replacement

To understand the magnitude of this project, one must look back at the history of the crossing. The original Pattullo Bridge, named after former Premier Thomas Dufferin Pattullo, opened in 1937. For nearly 90 years, it served as a vital artery connecting New Westminster and Surrey.

However, the bridge had reached the end of its functional life. It suffered from significant structural deterioration, narrow lanes that lacked modern safety shoulders, and a design that was prone to traffic bottlenecks. For years, commuters and safety advocates called for a replacement, citing the risks of crossing the aging structure during seismic events or heavy traffic.

The construction of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is the culmination of those efforts—a massive infrastructure undertaking designed to handle the growing population of the Lower Mainland for the next century.

Recent Updates: The Transition to Traffic

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the project has moved from the construction phase to operational readiness. The CityNews Vancouver report highlighted the government's preparations for the bridge opening.

Key recent developments include: * The Naming Ceremony: A formal event held alongside the Semiahmoo First Nation to unveil the "stal̕əw̓asəm" signage. * Infrastructure Handover: The new bridge structure is complete, with final touches being applied to the approach roads and tolling infrastructure. * Traffic Integration: Discussions are ongoing regarding the transition of traffic from the old Pattullo to the new structure. The old bridge is slated for demolition once the new bridge is fully operational.

The anticipation is palpable. The new bridge features four lanes, separated by a median, significantly reducing the risk of head-on collisions—a frequent fear on the old, narrow deck.

Cultural and Social Context: Reconciliation in Concrete and Steel

The story of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is not just about concrete; it is about culture. The decision to rename the bridge is part of a broader trend in British Columbia to acknowledge Indigenous territories and history in public spaces.

The name "stal̕əw̓asəm" serves as a permanent recognition of the Semiahmoo people’s stewardship of the land and water. It is a shift away from colonial naming conventions toward a more inclusive identity for the province’s infrastructure.

This move has been widely supported by local leaders, who view the bridge as a symbol of partnership between the provincial government and First Nations. It stands as a monument to the idea that modern progress can coexist with ancient heritage.

Immediate Effects: Safety, Commutes, and Economy

The immediate impact of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge opening will be felt by over 80,000 daily commuters.

1. Enhanced Safety The most critical immediate benefit is safety. The original Pattullo was notorious for its lack of pedestrian and cyclist access, as well as its narrow lanes. The new bridge features: * Wider vehicle lanes. * Dedicated multi-use pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. * Modern seismic resilience to withstand major earthquakes.

2. Traffic Flow While the new bridge itself is wider, the transition period may still see congestion in the surrounding New Westminster and Surrey road networks. However, once the old bridge is removed, the flow should stabilize. The elimination of the "death trap" curves at the New Westminster approaches is a major upgrade.

3. Economic Implications For the local economy, a reliable connection is vital. The bridge links key industrial areas in Surrey and the Tri-Cities. The replacement ensures that supply chains remain uninterrupted and that businesses have consistent access to the workforce.

Interesting Fact: The Engineering Marvel

While the original Pattullo was a pioneering suspension bridge of its time, the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge utilizes modern engineering standards. It is a cable-stayed bridge (or a modern suspension design depending on the final engineering specs provided by TransLink). Unlike the old bridge, which required constant maintenance, the new structure utilizes high-performance concrete and advanced steel designed to withstand the corrosive salt air of the Fraser River estuary with minimal upkeep for decades.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead

As we look toward the future, the focus shifts to the final phases of the project.

The Fate of the Old Pattullo The most significant upcoming event is the demolition of the original bridge. Once the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is fully open to all modes of transport, the old structure will be dismantled. This is a complex operation that will likely take several years, as crews work to remove the steel and concrete from the river environment safely.

Long-Term Regional Growth The new bridge is a cornerstone of the "Transportation Master Plan" for the region. It accommodates future population growth in Surrey and Langley, areas that are seeing explosive development. By providing a reliable link, the province is laying the groundwork for densification and transit expansion in the coming decades.

Tolling and Maintenance While specific tolling details were part of the project's funding discussion, the ongoing maintenance costs will be significantly lower than those of the aging Pattullo. The investment in the new structure is expected to save the province millions in deferred repair costs over the next 50 years.

Conclusion

The arrival of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is more than just a construction update; it is a transformative moment for British Columbia. It solves a critical safety issue, eases the daily grind for thousands of drivers, and stands as a proud testament to the province's evolving relationship with Indigenous peoples.

As the first vehicles cross the new deck, they aren't just moving between New Westminster and Surrey—they are crossing a bridge to a safer, more connected, and culturally aware future.

For the latest updates on traffic changes and the demolition schedule of the old Pattullo Bridge, stay tuned to official TransLink and BC Government announcements.

Sources: Global News, BC Gov News, CityNews Vancouver