TransLink made the only decision it could make in deciding not to spend $100 million on upgrading the old Pattullo Bridge.
To put that much money towards an aging bridge that is already 30 years past its 50-year design life would be just throwing good money after bad. Indeed, there was no guarantee that even that cost estimate was accurate because of the extensive work needed to make the bridge safe in an earthquake.
Instead, a $25-million retrofit is planned to merely resurface the deck, work that will take just five months instead of 18 months and reduce inconvenience for drivers.
But there is really no relief here and drivers, many of them using the old bridge to avoid the Port Mann Bridge tolls, must realize that tolls are coming.
Unfortunately, the bridge replacement was one of the projects that would have benefited from the transportation tax increase of .05% that was vetoed by voters in a recent referendum, and while officials have said they want a broader road pricing strategy that would put low tolls on all bridges, that is still years away.
So to get the new Pattullo Bridge built before it has to be closed, the provincial and federal governments will have to kick in some money, with the balance likely paid off with tolls.
Tolls are unpopular and the BC Liberal government has said people must have access to an untolled option when a tolled crossing is opened. But from a practical perspective, the Pattullo needs to be replaced sooner rather than later and tolls will likely be needed to fill in some funding gaps.
Not dealing with the bridge could mean it will be closed and put out of service in 10 years or less — and then where will drivers be? Although TransLink monitors the bridge daily and conducts detailed weekly inspections, the sad fact is the bridge could be put out of service by a moderate earthquake, river erosion or even a ship collision.
Then, those who have been avoiding tolls all this time will have to take the tolled Port Mann Bridge whether they like it or not.
It's difficult to face up true the costs of transportation in this region but it will have to be done.
