Staged removal of a major river crossing in Vancouver continues

The iconic orange arch of the Pattulo Bridge will be dismantled (Image: Adobe Stock)

The deconstruction of the bridge, which spans the Fraser River in the Metro Vancouver area, began in February this year. Conducted in three phases, it is expected to take around two years to complete and is reported to cost CAN$80 million.

The 90-year-old Pattullo Bridge has already been replaced by the stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge, a new four-lane, cable-stayed connection between Surrey and New Westminster.

This part of the demolition work is being carried out at night, during railway track possessions, and is expected to continue for around two months using conventional heavy-equipment demolition methods. Current marine notices also confirm that deck removal and jacking-beam finishing work is continuing over the Fraser River.

According to British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit, deconstruction is being completed in three phases – on-land, above-water and below-water – with some activities taking place concurrently. The overall process is due to be completed by the end of 2027.

Fraser Crossing Partners, the contractor delivering the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project for the Province of British Columbia, is responsible for the removal of the old bridge and management of the resulting materials. Specialist demolition subcontractors are being retained for some of the deconstruction activities.

The on-land work includes removing the ramps and approach structures in Surrey and New Westminster from deck level down to their foundations. Components are being transported offsite for recycling, reuse or disposal, with the project aiming to maximise material reuse.

Above the river, the bridge’s distinctive orange steel arch and other river spans are being systematically sectioned and lowered onto barges in the Fraser River.

The Ministry told D&Ri that the complex deconstruction programme involves equipment operators, ironworkers, carpenters and labourers, as well as specialist subcontractors. Excavators, cranes and other heavy equipment are being used throughout the works.

For the concrete structures, long-reach excavators will use a combination of attachments. Impact hammers will break apart the concrete, while shears will cut reinforcing steel to allow larger sections to be removed. Pulverisers will then reduce the concrete into smaller pieces suitable for transport from the site.

Similar methods are planned for the concrete piers within the Fraser River. Floating platforms will be positioned around the piers, with demolition equipment operating from barges surrounding each structure.

Removal of the in-river pier foundations and pedestals is scheduled to begin this autumn. The Ministry said the proposed methods for the below-water pedestal demolition are currently under review by regulatory agencies.

Material management will remain Fraser Crossing Partners’ responsibility throughout the work, with bridge components transported offsite for recycling, reuse or disposal under its contract with the province. According to the Ministry, the objective is to maximise the amount of material that can be reused.