Pattullo Bridge Arch Dismantled in Iconic Farewell

📅 5 days ago

The Pattullo Bridge arch has been removed and dismantled as part of a $1.637 billion replacement project, marking the end of an era for the structure.

During the Thanksgiving weekend, British Columbia bid farewell to the Pattullo Bridge arch, a significant landmark in the region. The arch, which has stood for decades, was successfully removed from its position over a period spanning from October 9 to 11. The dismantling process was undertaken with precision, utilizing specialized hydraulic linear winch systems known as strand jacks. This method allowed the steel arch to be lowered onto barges positioned in the Fraser River, where it was subsequently transported to a designated site for further dismantling and recycling.
The operation was a complex undertaking that lasted approximately 48 to 60 hours, and it drew attention from local residents who could witness the event from various vantage points along the Fraser River, including Brownsville Bar Park in Surrey and Westminster Pier Park in New Westminster. The provincial government provided a fact sheet detailing the engineering and logistical planning that preceded the removal, emphasizing that comprehensive deconstruction engineering designs had been developed and vetted through third-party engineering reviews.
In preparation for the arch's removal, crews undertook significant preliminary work, including the removal of concrete components to reduce the overall weight of the structure. Additionally, temporary bracing and beams were installed to ensure the arch's stability during the lowering process.
The responsibility for this deconstruction effort lies with Fraser Crossing Partners, the designated contractor for the $1.637 billion replacement project, which encompasses the construction of the new stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge. Fraser Crossing Partners operates as a joint venture, equally owned by Aecon and Acciona, and is tasked with the design, construction, and partial financing of the new bridge.
The deconstruction work commenced back in February, with an anticipated completion date set for the end of 2027. This timeline underscores the extensive scope of the project, which aims not only to replace the iconic Pattullo Bridge but also to enhance the infrastructure of the region significantly.

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