COQUITLAM/SURREY - The final, centre gap in the new Port Mann Bridge was closed, a major construction milestone that completes the bridge deck and superstructure required to open the bridge to traffic this December. When the new bridge opens, drivers can expect to save up to an hour off their daily commutes.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom was one of the first to cross the new connection, walking from the Coquitlam side of the bridge to Surrey over the newly placed steel girders and concrete deck panels.

The steel girders that closed the centre span were lifted and fixed in place earlier this week. Concrete deck panels were lowered into position using gantry cranes positioned at the end of the centre span. Soon, crews will start pouring concrete to cast those panels in place.

Over the coming months, crews will place expansion joints between bridge segments, complete waterproofing and pave the new deck to have it ready for traffic later this year.

Paving is already underway on the Surrey Approach, where the deck was completed in April. The Coquitlam Approach had its final segment placed earlier this week, marking another significant milestone. The deck panels at the bridge's centre are the last to be placed to complete the bridge to its initial eight-lane configuration.

The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project, the largest transportation infrastructure project in B.C. history, will be complete and open to traffic in phases. The first and largest phase, which includes opening eight lanes on the new bridge, widening the highway and rebuilding three interchanges between 160 Street in Surrey and the Cape Horn Interchange in Coquitlam, is expected to be complete by this December.

In addition to a new 10-lane bridge, the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project includes 37 kilometres of highway-widening from Vancouver to Langley. The project includes rebuilding seven highway overpasses and nine highway interchanges. The project will also provide for the first bus service across the Port Mann Bridge in over 20 years and expanded transportation options in the region including carpooling and cycling.

Work will continue through 2013, including construction of the final two bridge lanes. Decommissioning of the old bridge will take place in 2014.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Today we crossed the new Port Mann Bridge on foot, but it won't be long before cars are making the crossing and drivers get to enjoy a faster, more efficient commute. Today is a major milestone and we're one big step closer to bridge completion. For everyone out there in an all-day rush hour, thanks for your patience. The wait is almost over and a faster Port Mann Bridge is coming soon. When the bridge opens in December, drivers are going to save up to an hour a day."

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer -

"The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project is the largest transportation infrastructure project in British Columbia's history. I have worked hard for this every day since first being elected and when complete, Highway 1 and the new Port Mann Bridge will provide an enormous transportation improvement for my constituent commuters and the many businesses in Surrey that depend on efficient commercial truck service."

Mike Proudfoot, CEO, Transportation Investment Corporation -

"2012 is our busiest year yet and we're heading into the especially busy summer construction season. There's lots of work to be done yet so I want to remind drivers to slow down in construction zones, be patient and drive safely. When the new Port Mann Bridge opens in December, you'll be saving up to an hour off your daily commutes."

Learn More:

Follow the Port Mann Highway 1 project online at: www.portmannbridge.ca

Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Max Logan
Director, Communications
Port Mann/Highway 1 Project / Transportation Investment Corporation
778 783-1218
778 886-2993 (cell)
mlogan@ticorp.ca