The nearly 90-year-old Pattullo Bridge, connecting Surrey and New Westminster, underwent demolition of the bridge arch over the weekend. The giant arch will be dismantled in sections and lowered onto a barge on the Fraser River, with the work expected to be completed on Sunday night (the 11th). Photos taken on Saturday show engineers preparing on site, with sparks flying from welders’ work at parts of the arch. The provincial government stated that engineers will work around the clock, expected to take 48 to 60 hours. After the arch is lowered onto the barge, it will be transported to another location for dismantling and recovery. Provincial company B.C. Infrastructure Benefits Inc. (BCIB) stated that the road will not be closed during the project, and vehicles can continue to use the Riverview (also known as stal̕əw̓ asəm) bridge, which has replaced the Patulo Bridge.
Authorities urge drivers using the new bridge not to stop and watch the process of dismantling the bridge arches. If citizens want to seize the last chance to see the Red Arch standing on the Fraser River, they can visit some coastal parks on weekends to enjoy the view, such as Brownsville Bar Park in Surrey, Westminster Pier Park or Albert Crescent Park in New Westminster. The main waterway of the Fraser River beneath the two bridges will be closed until Sunday night, but the BCIB stated that the inland waterway will remain open to vessels that meet the clearance limits.