For those in the Metro Vancouver who commute to work by crossing over the Fraser River will be glad to know that the construction of the newest bridge is steadily on its way and looks to be on schedule for its completion in the year of 2009.
The Golden Ears Bridge will connect Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge to Langley and hopefully reduce traffic as well as travel times between the cities of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and Coquitlam to Langley, Surrey and the surrounded areas.
Golden Ears Bridge – Looking South
Currently when you travel from Pitt Meadows to Langley you have three options; go through Coqutilam across the Port Mann Bridge to Surrey into Langley, go into Maple Ridge and take the Albion Ferry over to Langley, or take the long away by going Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford and then into Langley. Not very convenient is it? When the bridge goes it will will only take 5 to 10 minutes (by car) to go from Pitt Meadows to Langley.
A Closer View – Golden Ears Bridge
A lot of people do welcome the construction of a new bridge across the Fraser River whether or not where it is going is favorable could be another story. I know that getting over to the Langley side will be a lot quicker for most people even if you have to pay a toll of $2.50 each way.
Watching the surrounding areas which are also being upgraded to handle the bridge traffic has been a bit rough at times. There are various upgrades and additions to the areas around the bridge’s approaches on both sides of the river which of course cause traffic delays and headaches. At the same time construction of the new Pitt River Bridge is also underway which, in my opinion, will help reduce traffic congestion and eliminate traffic issues when the current Pitt River Bridge breaks.