March 28, 2024

Port Mann claims climbing

First we were told it was five, then 60,  now, the crown corporation responsible for the Port Mann Bridge is reporting more than 100 vehicles were damaged when chunks of ice fell from support cables. Many drivers say the new bridge failed its first test in the snow, but Mike Proudfoot, C-E-O of the Transportation Investment Corporation, … [Read more...]

What went wrong with the Port Mann Bridge?

Sources have told CKNW news that in an effort to reduce costs, the builders of the Port Mann Bridge decided not to install heated cables that would have prevented yesterday's ice buildup. We are told Kiewet was offered the option by the French subcontractor who handled the cables, but said no. When workers asked why, they were told the harmonics on … [Read more...]

Port Mann Bridge operators apologize

With reports of nearly 60 vehicles damaged by falling ice, the managers of the new port mann bridge admit.... the cables weren't heated. The CEO of the TI corporation held a news conference late this afternoon. Mike Proudfoot didn't confirm the heated cables were shut down as a design idea simply apologizing for the damage caused. "It is … [Read more...]

UPDATES: Avoid Port Mann bridge: ice falls on vehicles, at least one hurt

Travellers across the new Port Mann bridge have been dodging chunks of ice falling from the cables above the span. RCMP tell our traffic station AM 730 they are in the process of shutting the bridge down, and that at least one person has been injured. This caller says it's an 'absolute nightmare:' "Large ice balls landing on our cars! I … [Read more...]

Tolls now in effect for Port Mann Bridge

If you want to use Highway One to get to Surrey, you now have to pay to cross the Port Mann Bridge. The Province gave drivers a week to experience the new eight-lane, 3.3 billion dollar bridge for free. But as of midnight Saturday, a $ 1.50 toll went into effect. That introductory rate will double in March for anyone who hasn't registered by the … [Read more...]

Route of new Port Mann rapid bus is temporary

Translink says the route of the new Port Mann rapid bus will change once construction on the number one highway is complete. Spokesperson Derek Zabel says the buses current stop at Braid street skytrain station, going into Vancouver, is temporary. "Once contruction is complete we will take the off ramps that lead onto Government street over near … [Read more...]

New Port Mann bridge now open to eight lanes of traffic

As of this Saturday morning, the new Port Mann Bridge is open to eight lanes of traffic. The bridge actually has ten lanes, but the remaining two won't open until demolition of the old span is finished.  Spokesperson Max Logan says that work begins this month. "The crews will begin on the approaches and then work toward the superstructure and … [Read more...]

Deadline looms for Port Mann Bridge toll discount

Thousands of drivers hoping to catch a break on tolls for the new Port Mann Bridge waited until the last minute to register. "It's been all hands on deck. It's been very busy here," says Max Logan, who speaks for the TReO  program. Logan says the demand has grown from about three thousand people registering per day two weeks ago, to three … [Read more...]

Traffic woes could continue after Port Mann opening

Days ahead of its full opening, the new Port Mann Bridge saw commuters gridlocked in both directions during last night’s rush hour. Project spokesman Max Logan says the congestion will ease once the bridge opens its full eight lanes by midday Dec. 1. Along with an accident in one direction last night, Logan adds construction caused some of … [Read more...]

Vancouver mayor says new Port Mann won’t solve congestion

Vancouver’s mayor says the new Port Mann won't solve any traffic woes, ahead of the bridge’s December opening. Gregor Robertson says transit is the backbone of any strategy to move people from the city and into the farther regions of Metro Vancouver. Robertson was asked if building a bigger road or a new bridge has ever solved traffic … [Read more...]