The one-month full closure of Front Street is set to begin next week.
Starting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, Fraser Crossing Partners will implement a one-month full closure of Front Street between Begbie and East Columbia streets. It's all part of the Pattullo Bridge replacement project.
“While this full closure is in effect, drivers will be detoured to Columbia Street,” said a Feb. 14 update. “Trucks will continue to use official truck routes (including observing applicable time restrictions).”
This road closure had previously been announced to begin the week of Feb. 5.
Although Front Street will be off-limits to through traffic, people will still be able to access Front Street businesses via the Front Street Mews and Frontage Road – the local road running directly in front of businesses facing Front Street.
All traffic pattern changes and detours will be well signed, and traffic control personnel will be on site to direct traffic as required, said the update from the project team.
“Drivers may experience longer than normal travel times due to detours and higher traffic volumes,” said the notice. “We appreciate your patience while this work is underway.”
This closure is required for crews to offload steel girders, build temporary support structures, and begin installing girders, which will form the new bridge deck, between Front Street and Columbia Street, said the notice.
Front Street will be closed to vehicles 24/7, but work is slated to take place Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Some non-noisy work activities will take place at night and on Sundays,” said the notice.
According to the project team, additional closures of both Front Street and Columbia Street will be required to install girders and to build the new bridge deck over the roadway.
“The next closure will be a full closure of Columbia Street for crews to lift girders across this section of roadway,” said the update. “Front and Columbia will not be closed at the same time, and more information will be provided in advance.”
In December 2023, city staff provided council with an update about local impacts related to the Pattullo Bridge replacement project.
The new crossing, which will replace the Pattullo Bridge, is scheduled to open sometime in 2024.
