PORT MANN TRAGEDY RAISES SAFETY CONCERN

Vancouver, BC – This afternoon’s tragic accident on the Port Mann Bridge reminds us all that twinning the Port Mann Bridge isn’t just about relieving traffic congestion and adding transit.  Twinning the Port Mann Bridge is also about improving safety.  

The accident reportedly involved a motorcycle and a truck and lead to the bridge being completely shutdown to westbound traffic, and partially shutdown to eastbound traffic. 

Get Moving BC extends its sympathies to the families of all those involved in this tragedy.

Last week, Get Moving BC called on the Province to fast track the Port Mann Bridge twinning project because of the increasingly desperate situation on the bridge.  Traffic congestion reduces road safety and increases the likelihood that accidents will occur.   The Port Mann is typically congested 13 hours a day.  

This afternoon’s shutdown on the Port Mann also lead to traffic backups on the Pattullo Bridge.   A twinned Port Mann Bridge would allow traffic to continue flowing even during a serious accident like that which occurred this afternoon.

Fast tracking the Port Mann Bridge project is essential part of the transportation “catch up” process that’s currently underway in the Lower Mainland.  The existing Port Mann Bridge is simply not capable of accommodating all the demands being placed upon it and public safety is being put at risk.