Petition calls for major Pattullo Bridge safety overhaul after fatal crash
A petition is calling for major safety changes on the Pattullo Bridge in the aftermath of a recent fatal crash that killed three people and left one seriously injured.
Burnaby resident Andrew Webb recently launched the petition calling for the four-lane Pattullo Bridge to be limited to a single lane in each direction and for concrete barriers separating the traffic directions to be installed.
According to Webb, the matter is deeply personal as they have witnessed “too many heart-wrenching fatalities in recent months.”
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“Safety measures are urgently required to curb this escalating tragedy,” Webb wrote. “Consequently, we propose to reduce the Pattullo Bridge down to one lane and to add concrete middle lane barriers until the new bridge has been opened.”
DriveBC webcam footage of the Pattullo Bridge closed shortly after the deadly crash on the evening of February 14, 2025. (Government of BC)
The Metro Vancouver resident referred to multiple studies showing that highway lane reduction as well as concrete barriers can significantly reduce chances of head-on collisions.
“Given these findings, it is crucial to implement these measures on the Pattullo bridge without delay,” added Webb. “By signing this petition, you will help us illustrate the public’s demand for immediate safety measures to prevent further lives from being unjustly taken on Pattullo Bridge.”
The petition currently has 67 signatures towards its next goal of 100.
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TransLink says additional safety measures would cause traffic congestion and impact commute times
TransLink, which owns and maintains the current Pattullo Bridge until the new span is complete and taken over by the Government of B.C., told Daily Hive Urbanized that adding additional safety measures would have drawbacks.
“The Pattullo Bridge is part of the Major Road Network, serving primarily as a connection between Surrey, New Westminster, and Burnaby,” said a TransLink spokesperson. “It is a critical transportation link for the movement of people, goods, and services.
“Implementing additional measures would significantly impact traffic congestion and commute times for thousands of drivers who use the bridge daily.”
On average per day, the Pattullo Bridge sees over 60,000 vehicle crossings — comparable to the Lions Gate Bridge.
TransLink also explained that the Pattullo Bridge has several safety measures already in place, including the two centre lanes being closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. There are also large signs indicating speed limits and warnings on the bridge, as well as signs and pavement markings warning of approaching curves on the span.
Construction progress on the new Pattullo Bridge, as of May 2024. (Government of BC)
Commenters online were split on whether new safety measures on the Pattullo Bridge would be helpful for commuters.
“I don’t want to end up being involved in a fatality on the bridge,” said one signatory of the online petition.
“I’d prefer a petition for more traffic enforcement and better driver training,” replied another person on social media.
“Why don’t we get more government enforcement on only letting people that can drive on the roads? The Lower Mainland is a complete joke when it comes to driver capability. I don’t even get mad anymore, I just laugh,” said another person.
The Government of British Columbia announced last spring that the new replacement Pattullo Bridge is now slated to open in Fall 2025.
Upon completion, the 77,000 vehicles that typically use the existing bridge will be transplanted onto the new bridge, which will feature four wider vehicle lanes compared to the existing crossing, a new free-flowing off-ramp between the new bridge’s southbound direction and Highway 17’s (South Fraser Perimeter Road) westbound direction, a concrete median separating both directions, and pedestrian and cyclist pathways.
Artistic rendering of the final 2020 design for the new Pattullo Bridge. (Government of BC)
Immediately after the new bridge opens, work will begin on decommissioning and demolishing the adjacent existing 1937-built bridge. Wendy Itagawa, the provincial government’s executive director for the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, told Daily Hive Urbanized that it will take about one year to take down the old seismically deficient bridge.
Do you feel safe driving over the Pattullo Bridge? Would you like additional safety measures added to the Fraser River crossing? Let us know in the comments.
With files from Kenneth Chan