The Pitt River Bridge and Mary Hill Interchange Project includes a new bridge to replace the existing swing bridges and an interchange to replace the existing Lougheed Highway and the Mary Hill Bypass intersection. The project is a stand-alone component of the North Fraser Perimeter Road Project.
The new cable-stayed bridge will be located between the existing bridges and will have 3 lanes of westbound traffic and 4 lanes of eastbound traffic on opening day. It will also provide up to 16 metres of vertical marine clearance, as well as providing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge will be designed to accommodate different lane allocations and future light rapid transit.
The existing intersection at Lougheed Highway and Mary Hill Bypass will be replaced with a grade-separated interchange with on and off ramps that would allow for free-flow of traffic, while also providing for future connection to the Fremont Extension, to support development in Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam.
Combined with the new bridge, these improvements will allow for the elimination of the current counterflow system.
The project is being funded by the federal and provincial governments. As part of its recent Asia-Pacific Gateway & Corridor Initiative, the Government of Canada has committed $90 million in funding for costs associated with the construction of the bridge and a new grade-separated interchange at Lougheed Highway and Mary Hill Bypass. The Province is providing $108 million.
The existing bridges will remain operational during construction. Traffic management, access and environmental management plans will be established following discussion with stakeholders. The existing bridges will be removed by June 2010 as the final stage of the project.
Click here for the Pitt River Bridge & Mary Hill Interchange Graphic
Project Goals
The Pitt River Bridge and Mary Hill Interchange Project objectives are to:
- Improve reliability for vehicle and marine traffic;
- Improve safety along a key goods movement and commuting corridor; and,
- Provide capacity to serve the needs of growing municipalities and industry.
The new fixed bridge and interchange are intended to create lasting improvements that provide benefits to the movements of people, goods and transit as well as safely accomodating cyclists and pedestrians.
Given its strategic location at the heart of the Lower Mainland's northeast sector, the Pitt River Bridge is a critical component of the region's transportation network. Subject to environmental assessment certification, construction could begin as early as mid 2007, with completion by late 2009, roughly concurrent with the opening of TransLink's Golden Ears Bridge.
For more information: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/gateway/prb-maryhill/prb.htm
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