The new 152 Street exit off the Port Mann Bridge has already led to several crashes, and more are inevitable.
It’s not the fault of the contractors, who are completely rebuilding a busy highway system while being unable to shut it down and divert traffic. The work they have been able to accomplish under those conditions is impressive.
However, the 152 Street off-ramp may prove to be their biggest test. It is a very busy exit — the first exit into Surrey.
The eastbound fast lane on the Port Mann Bridge now leads directly to the exit, and despite signs, public announcements and plenty of advance warnings on the highway, some drivers are still unaware of the change. The exit from the left lane went into effect on Sunday, and it will be in effect for a good portion of this year, while construction crews rebuild the old exit, which took off from the right side of the highway.
I’ve been travelling Highway 1 between Burnaby and Surrey much more than usual in the past three months, often at night. I’ve noticed that the lane closures are in an almost constant state of change, and it can be very challenging if drivers are not paying the utmost attention.
Many of the lane closures are due to construction of overpasses. There are many new overpasses being installed along the highway and construction crews need both time and enough room to do these installations. These lane closures are most numerous and noticeable as drivers get closer to the bridge, especially between Brunette Avenue and 160 Street. While it is easy to suggest that the best bet is to take another route, often those detours go nowhere near the intended destination.
All of this work continues at a fast pace, as opening day for the new bridge gets closer.
It is starting to look more and more like a bridge each day. With the new bridge will come, of course, the tolls, which are likely to be about $3 per trip, each way. The new Highway 1 and Port Mann Bridge will be a benefit to Surrey and to the entire province, and most specifically to the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas.
The improved transit options it will offer will give some commuters the option of leaving their cars behind.
The new bridge comes at a cost to taxpayers of several billion dollars. And it comes at a cost of many inconveniences to drivers, as the construction proceeds. It’s important to pay very close attention to the changes, and particularly to longer-lasting changes in high-traffic locations like the 152 Street exit.
Time will tell if the tolls will have a major and lasting effect on driver behaviour.
n I was saddened to hear of the death of helicopter pilot Dave Brolin last week, during an RCMP training exercise near Cultus Lake. Brolin, who grew up in Cloverdale and lived in South Surrey, was well-known and highly respected by many people.
My sincere condolences to all his family members, and his many colleagues in the RCMP and aviation communities.
Frank Bucholtz writes Thursdays for the Peace Arch News. He is the editor of the Langley Times.