Port Mann Bridge
The Port Mann Bridge is a steel tied arch bridge that spans the Fraser River connecting Coquitlam to Surrey in British Columbia near Vancouver. The bridge consists of three spans with an orthotropic deck carrying five lanes of Trans-Canada Highway traffic, with approach spans of three steel plate girders and concrete deck. The total length of the Port Mann is 2093 m (6867 ft.), including approach spans. The main span is: 366 m (1200 ft.) plus the two 110 m (360 ft.) spans on either side.[1]. Current volume on the bridge is 127,000 trips per day.[2] Approximately eight percent of the traffic on the Port Mann bridge is truck traffic.[3]
History
The Port Mann Bridge opened on June 12, 1964, originally carrying four lanes. At the time of construction, it was the most expensive piece of highway in Canada. The first "civilian" to drive across the bridge was CKNW reporter Marke Raines. He was not authorized to cross, so he drove quickly.[4] In 2001 a HOV lane eastbound was added by moving the centre divider by cantilevering the bridge deck outwards. [5]
Port Mann Bridge Replacement
On January 31, 2006 the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation introduced the Gateway Program as a means to address growing congestion.[6] The project originally twinned the Port Mann Bridge.[7]
The PMH1 project adds another HOV land, provides cycling access and reintroduces bus service to the Port Mann Bridge for the first time in over 20 years.
The Premier unveiled plans on February 4th, 2009 to replace the bridge with a new 10-lane bridge; the bridge will be tolled. The estimated cost is $2.46 billion.[8]
The project will be funded by using the Public-private partnership funding format.
Opposition to Original Twinning Plan
 | This article may be unbalanced toward certain viewpoints. |
A number of groups have lobbied to improve mass transit rather than build a new freeway bridge. Opponents to the expansion include the Municpality of Burnaby,[9] some urban planners,[10], and the Sightline Institute[11].
Opponents argue that increasing the highway capacity will only relieve congestion for a few years before increased traffic congests the area again,[12] and would encourage suburban sprawl. The Livable Region Coalition has urged the Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon, to consider rapid transit lines and improved bus routes instead of building the new bridge.[13]
The David Suzuki Foundation claims the plan violates the goals of Metro Vancouver's Livable Region Strategic Plan.[14]
See also
References
- ^ "PORT MANN BRIDGE". Buckland & Taylor Ltd. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ "Gateway Program Definition Report" (PDF). Ministry of Transportation of British Columbia. January 31, 2005. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Travel Characteristics of Traffic on the Highway 1 Corridor" (PDF). Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority. July 2, 2004. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- ^ Davis, Chuck. "1964 Chronology". The History of Metropolitan Vancouver. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ http://www.kwhconstructors.com/brochures/KWH%20-%20Port%20Mann%20Bridge%20Widening%20-%20Construction%20-%202000.pdf
- ^ "Gateway Program Definition Report" (PDF). Ministry of Transportation of British Columbia. January 31, 2005. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- ^ "Gateway Program Definition Report" (PDF). Ministry of Transportation of British Columbia. January 31, 2005. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- ^ "Single 10-lane bridge to replace Port Mann". CBC. Retrieved 2009-02-04.
- ^ "Burnaby Public Consultation on Provincial Gateway Program" (PDF). City of Burnaby. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- ^ Ward, Doug (June 20, 2006). "Planners oppose Gateway Program". The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- ^ "B.C. gets top marks". North Shore Outlook. June 14, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
- ^ "Gateway project will fail, planning prof warns". Steven Rees. 2004. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "Questions about the B.C. Government's Port Mann and Highway 1 proposal for the Vancouver Region" (PDF). The Livable Region Coalition. 2004. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "Proposed twinning of the Port Mann Bridge and Highway 1 expansion" (PDF). David Suzuki Foundation. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
49°13′16″N 122°48′46″W / 49.221031°N 122.812697°W
