Your feeling of the sentiment speaking to the lack of infrastructure that is human in scale is one that I feel too, and others on this board and elsewhere. However, this AI generated image is unrealistic considering the seismic risks of the bridge. But could you imagine the vitriol if we had higher quality cycling pedestrian infrastructure installed on the new bridge, there's a reason we don't have nice things.
If New West was going to build a ped/cycling bridge, it would be from Quayside to Queensborough, but that's been shelved too. Haven't heard the councilors that came up with all sorts of ideas for the Pattullo advocate for that.
The councillors (Paul Minhas and Daniel Fontaine) advocating for turning the Pattullo into a pedestrian and cycling bridge regularly vote against improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in New West in the first place. That they would resort to AI slop (there's a great rendering of a lizard person sitting on a bench in Minhas's image) to propose something that they know would cost hundreds of millions of dollars is just the height of shameless and unrealistic populism.
The councillors (Paul Minhas and Daniel Fontaine) advocating for turning the Pattullo into a pedestrian and cycling bridge regularly vote against improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in New West in the first place. That they would resort to AI slop (there's a great rendering of a lizard person sitting on a bench in Minhas's image) to propose something that they know would cost hundreds of millions of dollars is just the height of shameless and unrealistic populism.
For sure, it is just political opportunistic virtue signaling.
The councillors (Paul Minhas and Daniel Fontaine) advocating for turning the Pattullo into a pedestrian and cycling bridge regularly vote against improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in New West in the first place. That they would resort to AI slop (there's a great rendering of a lizard person sitting on a bench in Minhas's image) to propose something that they know would cost hundreds of millions of dollars is just the height of shameless and unrealistic populism.
Drove over it again today in the daytime so had a better look this time. Why does it look unfinished and half assed. Where the hell does all the money go. Why is the pavement so rough and uneven. Why is there debris on the shoulders already on a brand new bridge? Looks like it wasn't even cleaned up from the construction and left as is. Why is the 1A and 99A sign still left up on Royal east just over Mcbride. Did they just say screw it and decide to leave it? Why no attention or any maintenance done to king George just when you get off the bridge . No washing , looks old , again debris on the shoulders . This project just looks half assed.
It's still under construction. There is still a final layer of pavement to come, speculation here is that will be done once the Hwy 17 on ramp is complete.
An artwork medallion, designed by Kwantlen artist Elinor Atkins, has been installed on the upper tower of stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge. The artwork is titled The First Sturgeon.
Artwork by Atheana Picha is featured on the upper crossbeam of stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge.
Atheana Picha is a Kwantlen multidisciplinary artist. Her artwork includes themes of transformation & connection to the land. https://x.com/pattulloproject/status/2027126719501545521
Chris Sparrow’s artwork is featured on the upper crossbeam of stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge.
A self-taught Musqueam artist working in a variety of mediums, Sparrow’s on-bridge artwork is titled Salish Salmon River. https://x.com/pattulloproject/status/2026360299041784121
...Then why is traffic going over it? I don't get this. It's open to traffic, but missing a layer of asphalt? So it's usable but not finished? What's the purpose of the extra layer? If it's so important then why is the bridge open without it?
Because the approach roads have been changed so that the new bridge is accessible and it's better to have a bridge open than no bridge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
I don't get this.
I bet you do, really
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
It's open to traffic, but missing a layer of asphalt?
Yes
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
So it's usable but not finished?
See, you do get it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
What's the purpose of the extra layer?
To provide an even, flat surface across the bridge and on the new approach roads.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
If it's so important then why is the bridge open without it?
You were so close.
Because they are still finishing work on the approach roads. Once it's all finished they'll put a final layer on. It's fine to use the surface that's there in the meantime. They'll also pick up anything else they've left lying around, sort out the new signs, and generally make sure everything is finished. When they're finished.
Because the approach roads have been changed so that the new bridge is accessible and it's better to have a bridge open than no bridge.
I bet you do, really
Yes
See, you do get it.
To provide an even, flat surface across the bridge and on the new approach roads.
You were so close.
Because they are still finishing work on the approach roads. Once it's all finished they'll put a final layer on. It's fine to use the surface that's there in the meantime. They'll also pick up anything else they've left lying around, sort out the new signs, and generally make sure everything is finished. When they're finished.
Thank you for answering my questions! Would be great if next time you do so without snark or condescension!
Location: East Vancouver (No longer across the ocean!)
Posts: 3,606
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chirpythecougar
Thank you for answering my questions! Would be great if next time you do so without snark or condescension!
Sorry you have to deal with that, there are a few forum members who aren't exactly the most welcoming (and we wonder why activity isn't what it used to be.)
Pretty sure the opening was a rush job, I mean they even forced the bridge open in a completely unready state in December just to say they had a 2025 opening before closing it all down to actually finish the bridge. Not surprised if the surface is still terrible. I haven't had a chance to drive over the bridge yet but hope to soon. Maybe even take a walk to appreciate the view from the "Riverview Bridge" .
Sorry you have to deal with that, there are a few forum members who aren't exactly the most welcoming (and we wonder why activity isn't what it used to be.)
Pretty sure the opening was a rush job, I mean they even forced the bridge open in a completely unready state in December just to say they had a 2025 opening before closing it all down to actually finish the bridge. Not surprised if the surface is still terrible. I haven't had a chance to drive over the bridge yet but hope to soon. Maybe even take a walk to appreciate the view from the "Riverview Bridge" .
I’ve driven over it both directions and thought it was fine. Just like with most road projects the top layer isn’t put on until later
A little late to the party, but I also made it to the recent farewell event to walk across the now-closed Pattullo Bridge for some final photos of it.
There is still some ongoing construction on the new Riverview Bridge, like the unfortunate installation of an ugly suicide fence across it.
Thousands of people defied the pouring rain to walk across the bridge one last time.
The 89-years-old bridge is in rough shape.
On south side an off-ramp is waiting for the old bridge to be demolished first.
It is going to be interesting to see the old bridge get demolished this spring.
Few people are still having hopes for the old bridge to be repurposed, but while a cool idea, it is totally nonviable due to the condition of the bridge.
And there you have it. Farewell to the old legend!
Sorry you have to deal with that, there are a few forum members who aren't exactly the most welcoming (and we wonder why activity isn't what it used to be.)
Pretty sure the opening was a rush job, I mean they even forced the bridge open in a completely unready state in December just to say they had a 2025 opening before closing it all down to actually finish the bridge. Not surprised if the surface is still terrible. I haven't had a chance to drive over the bridge yet but hope to soon. Maybe even take a walk to appreciate the view from the "Riverview Bridge" .
There is still a ton of work to be done that will continue on until 2027. Again, I am pro-union but this was an inevitable outcome when you had unionized workers, with DEI initiatives bringing dead weight into the projects.