Coquitlam River Bridge set for upgrade

This article has amended. A previous version incorrectly included a quote from Mayor Brad West regarding a different crossing.
The Coquitlam River Bridge is set to get sturdier, slower, and about 17 percent more snug.
Speed on the Highway 7B/Mary Hill Bypass is set to be reduced from 70 to 40 kilometres per hour and lane widths narrowed from 3.65 metres to 3 metres as part of a substantial overhaul recently announced by the province.
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The job includes new concrete, seismic and drainage upgrades, and a multi-use path on its south side, according to a release from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
The Coquitlam River Bridge does not meet modern earthquake standards.
The one-year project is set to get underway later this fall with four lanes open “most of the time,” according to the release.
Single-lane closures for concrete pouring will generally be confined to overnight work. The sidewalk will be closed during construction, however a shuttle is set to be available to take pedestrians and cyclists through the work zone, according to the ministry.
The $6.5-million contract was awarded to Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd.
