This is the new First Nations language name for the new Pattullo Bridge | Daily Hive

This is the official new name in a First Nations language for the new Pattullo Bridge

Fall 2025 construction progress on the new Pattullo Bridge. (Government of BC)

With the partial opening of the new replacement Pattullo Bridge to vehicle traffic now just slightly over two weeks away, set for Christmas Eve 2025, the Government of British Columbia officials joined First Nations leaders this morning to provide an update on the project, including the new official First Nations name for the crossing.

This past spring, it was first noted by the provincial government that the bridge would not retain the same name of the old crossing being retired, which honours Thomas Dufferin Pattullo — the Premier of British Columbia during the Great Depression and Second World War. It was shared that the Musqueam First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation would “gift” a new bridge name in their hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language.

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This morning, it was announced that the new crossing is officially called — stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge. The English name is Riverview Bridge.

“This new bridge being named stal̕əw̓asəm is a major milestone for hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ revitalization. It demonstrates the Province of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation through acknowledging the true history of the lands and water where the bridge stands,” said Musqueam chief Wayne Sparrow.

Kwantlen chief Marilyn Gabriel added, “A traditional name is not bestowed lightly and carries reminders and responsibilities. With the new name, we honour our past, present and future, and the importance of this area to both Kwantlen and Musqueam. We also reflect on our long-standing connections to sacred lands and resources on both sides of the bridge crossing and stal̕əw̓ (Fraser River). The name reminds us that with many connections shared in this area, we all are responsible to honour and uphold its well-being and generosity it has provided for countless generations.”

The provided First Nations name is said to mean “a space where you can view the river.” stal̕əw̓asəm is pronounced as STALL-oh-ah-sum.

“stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is more than just a name. It acknowledges the history of these lands, and represents the preservation of culture and language,” said B.C. Mike Farnworth, the B.C. Minister of Transportation and Transit.

“This new bridge is going to transform the region’s transportation network, support people and businesses in the region, and strengthen B.C.’s economy for generations.”

pattullo bridge construction november 2025

November 2025 construction progress on the new Pattullo Bridge. (Government of BC)

stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge will officially open on December 24, 2025, with a phased opening process — partial vehicle traffic flowing on the new crossing. On this day, westbound traffic will be transplanted onto one lane of the new four-lane bridge, while the old four-lane bridge will continue to carry eastbound traffic.

The old bridge will have all lanes open throughout December 2025.

Prior to the Christmas Eve opening, there will be a scheduled full closure of the old bridge to enable work to be done for the initial switch of the road connections at both sides of the Fraser River in New Westminster and Surrey. Both crossings will temporarily close a few weeks after — mid-January 2025 — to enable additional traffic movement phases to be implemented.

Then in February 2026 after additional road connections are in place, the 1937-built bridge will permanently close, with decommissioning and demolition work beginning immediately. At this juncture, all traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge.

Construction work will continue through the winter, spring, and summer months of 2026 on the bridge’s final new road connections, as a significant portion of these links cannot be established until the first segments of the old bridge on either side of the river are demolished. The existing bridge is physically in the way of the new connections.

This includes months-long closures of Columbia Street and Front Street in the area around the bridge. The Highway 17 off-ramp and the new pedestrian and cycling pathways on the bridge are scheduled to open in mid-2026, marking the completion of all bridge connections.

November 2025 construction progress on the new Pattullo Bridge. (Government of BC)

When major construction on the new crossing began in Spring 2021, the targeted opening date was late 2023. This was later revised to 2024, following delays caused in part by early pandemic impacts and the limited seasonal windows available for in-river work on the bridge piers to minimize ecological disruption. Due to the delays and a variety of issues, the project’s cost has increased from $1.38 billion to $1.64 billion.

The new bridge will be owned and operated by the provincial government, rather than TransLink — freeing up TransLink’s resources that were previously dedicated to maintaining and operating the old bridge.

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