Metro Vancouver has officially turned a page in its transportation history. With the opening of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge (Riverview Bridge), communities on both sides of the Fraser River are now connected by a modern, safer crossing that replaces the aging Pattullo Bridge. While the new structure represents progress and innovation, it also marks the end …
Metro Vancouver has officially turned a page in its transportation history. With the opening of the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge (Riverview Bridge), communities on both sides of the Fraser River are now connected by a modern, safer crossing that replaces the aging Pattullo Bridge.
While the new structure represents progress and innovation, it also marks the end of an era for a bridge that served the region faithfully for nearly 90 years.
A New Chapter: stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge
The stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge fully opened to traffic on February 14, 2026, creating a safer and more efficient link between Surrey and New Westminster.
What makes the new bridge different?
The new crossing was built with modern transportation needs in mind. Key improvements include:
- Four full-width traffic lanes with a centre median barrier
- Dedicated walking and cycling paths on both sides
- A striking cable-stayed design
- Improved seismic resilience
- Better connections to surrounding road networks
At approximately 1.2 kilometres long, the bridge is designed to support the region’s growth for decades to come.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name stal̕əw̓asəm (pronounced stah-low-wah-sum) was gifted by the Kwantlen First Nation and the Musqueam Indian Band.
It translates to “a space where you can view the river,” reflected in the English name Riverview Bridge. The naming recognizes the deep and ongoing connection of First Nations to the Fraser River and surrounding lands.
Looking Back: The Pattullo Bridge
Before stal̕əw̓asəm, the Pattullo Bridge was a defining part of daily life in the region.
A bridge that served generations
- Opened: November 15, 1937
- Named after: Thomas Dufferin Pattullo, former Premier of British Columbia
- Connected: Surrey and New Westminster across the Fraser River
For decades, the bridge carried commuters, commercial vehicles, and pedestrians, becoming one of Metro Vancouver’s most recognizable crossings.
Why Replacement Was Needed
By the early 2000s, the Pattullo Bridge no longer met modern safety and capacity standards. Key concerns included:
- Narrow lanes that made driving challenging
- Limited safety barriers
- Increasing maintenance needs due to age
- Insufficient capacity for growing traffic volumes
After years of study, the province determined that full replacement was the safest long-term solution.
The Transition
Construction of the new bridge began in 2021. Traffic shifted gradually in late 2025, culminating in a major milestone:
- February 6, 2026: Pattullo Bridge permanently closed to vehicles
- February 14, 2026: stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge fully opened
Demolition of the old bridge is expected to follow in the coming years.
More Than Just a Bridge
The stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge represents more than new infrastructure. It reflects the region’s priorities:
- Safer travel for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
- Support for active transportation
- Recognition of Indigenous language and history
- Stronger economic connections across the Fraser River
As traffic flows across the new span, the legacy of the Pattullo Bridge remains an important chapter in Metro Vancouver’s story—one that paved the way for the safer, more inclusive crossing the region now enjoys.
