Major $1.22B Pattullo Bridge Nears Late 2025 Completion

Historic Fraser River Crossing Targets Late 2025 Opening

British Columbia's long-awaited $1.22 billion Pattullo Bridge replacement project is entering its final construction phase, with provincial officials now targeting a late 2025 opening—a significant milestone for one of Canada's busiest commuter corridors.

The new four-lane cable-stayed bridge is replacing the aging 1937 truss span that connects Surrey and New Westminster across the Fraser River. According to Engineering News-Record (ENR), the project is being delivered by British Columbia's Transportation Investment Corp., with the design-build-finance contract awarded to Fraser Crossing Partners, a joint venture of Aecon Group Inc. and Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc.

Project Highlights and Timeline

When the project launched in 2020, completion was expected by 2023. However, the pandemic and related supply-chain disruptions—particularly in steel and cable production—extended procurement timelines by nearly two years.

Key project milestones accomplished:

• 548-foot-tall central tower completed
• Most deck-girder segments fabricated and installed
• Approach spans under construction
• Stay cables fabricated in the U.K. scheduled for installation this fall
• Paving and finishing work continuing through mid-2026

According to TI Corp, the bridge structure remains on budget and "on track for completion by the end of 2025."

What This Means for Contractors

This project represents one of North America's most significant infrastructure commitments in 2025. The cable-stayed design and complex engineering requirements showcase the sophisticated project management and technical expertise required for modern infrastructure work.

Contractors on similar bridge replacement projects can learn from this experience:

• Supply chain planning must account for international sourcing and potential delays
• Community Benefits Agreements are essential for major public projects, emphasizing local and Indigenous employment opportunities
• Environmental compliance requires continuous monitoring—a March 2025 inspection confirmed compliance with sediment, dust, and spill-control requirements

Industry Impact

The Pattullo Bridge project demonstrates how modern infrastructure engineering can improve efficiency and environmental outcomes. The new design eliminates four of the six in-river piers that supported the original crossing, reducing navigational hazards and environmental impact.

The new bridge will feature:

• Wider lanes and concrete median barrier
• Separated pedestrian and cycling paths on each side
• Engineering for future expansion to six lanes
• Specialized gantry system allowing cable inspection without major traffic closures—a first for BC
• Toll-free operation for public accessibility

Built under BC's Community Benefits Agreement, the project emphasizes local employment and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the region's skilled workforce development.

What to Watch Next

As the project moves toward late 2025 opening, construction crews continue staging traffic detours on connecting routes in Surrey and New Westminster while maintaining flow on the existing 1937 span.

The demolition of the original bridge is expected to continue into 2026 once the new crossing opens. This final phase will be critical for project closure and ensuring seamless transition to the new infrastructure.

For contractors tracking major North American infrastructure projects, the Pattullo Bridge exemplifies how complex engineering, rigorous environmental standards, and community engagement come together to deliver transformational infrastructure. The project's journey from 2023 original completion date to late 2025 reflects the real-world challenges of modern construction—and the importance of flexible planning and supply chain management.

Source: Engineering News-Record (ENR), November 3, 2025 | British Columbia Transportation Investment Corp.