Let’s re-think the Pattullo Bridge
Does TransLink care about New Westminster?
I believe TransLink made its view very clear when it attempted to push more trucks and traffic into our city via the United Boulevard Extension.
After great public resistance TransLink retracted its position.
The Pattullo Bridge is near the end of its life, but do we really need to replace it? After a lot of reflection I don’t think so. Remember how peaceful it was when this crossing was shut down for almost two weeks? People adapted to the situation and managed without much fuss. SkyTrain ridership was up and the majority of people got around just fine and our city was a delight to live in.
This weekend the Pattullo Bridge will be closed again for repaving, so take note of how different life is.
The Pattullo was a needed crossing when it opened but do we need it today? The new Port Mann crossing will soon open and many people will use the Pattullo as the free untolled alternative. Our city will be at gridlock on all our streets, as New West cannot handle any additional traffic coming into or through it.
We are the oldest city in Western Canada, with a small population with no more land for expansion. Our city is the center of the region and has put up with more than our share of roadways, railways, transit, power lines, phone lines, sewer lines, gas lines, and water mains for the benefit of the whole region, with no recognition or compensation.
Now TransLink tells us to expect a 50 per cent increase in traffic using the new Pattullo crossing with no regional plans or help to deal with the resulting traffic going through our city.
We all must be proactive and tell TransLink and our leaders to move all truck traffic to the perimeter of our city as opposed to through it.
We don’t want the congestion or the polluting toxic fumes.
If we allow the region to proceed with their plans, New Westminster may become history, not just part of it.
Gavin Palmer
New Westminster
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.