TransLink has hired two companies on emergency contracts for repairs to the rusting, decaying Pattullo Bridge.
Notices of intent were published to contract Mainroad Lower Mainland Contracting Ltd. on June 13 and Buckland and Taylor Inc. on June 18. The no-bid tenders, worth undisclosed sums, can be contested until Wednesday June 26 and Friday June 28, respectively.
Buckland and Taylor was hired for “short-term structural engineering services” because of its knowledge of the structure.
“Buckland and Taylor Ltd. have a current contract in place understanding the specific issues and can make immediate recommendations for repairs or replacement due to their previous knowledge,” said the notice.
TransLink claimed the work is too sensitive and complex to risk hiring a contractor other than Buckland and Taylor.
Mainroad has more than 20 years of direct experience on the Pattullo and was hired for emergency repairs to the south approach structure above and below the bridge deck to minimize the risk of spalled concrete falling from the bridge.
“Mainroad have been working with TransLink and the structural design consultants due to their knowledge and experience over the past four months to develop repair access, techniques and locations to suit the needs of the project,” said the notice. “Mainroad Contracting has a current contract in place for lane closure personnel and vehicles available on standby at the bridge location for any disruption to the traffic flow.
TransLink claimed there would be “severe consequences” if it hired a contractor other than Mainroad.
Community consultations are currently under way on TransLink’s $1.2 billion proposal to replace the 76-year-old span across the Fraser River, from New Westminster to Surrey. The aging bridge is in danger of major damage from a moderate earthquake or ship collision and does not meet current seismic standards, according to previous reports.
Removal and rehabilitation are also among the options being discussed at the consultations, which end Friday June 28. Sites for a new bridge upriver at Sapperton Bar and downriver at Tree Island are possible, as is a tunnel. Approximately 73,000 vehicles cross the Pattullo daily. The bridge is the closest free option to the December-opened Port Mann toll bridge.
Asked about the schedule for work, traffic closures and the budget, TransLink spokesman Derek Zabel denied the repairs are urgent.
“This is part of the planned ongoing maintenance of the Pattullo. We will have some additional details to come about the summer maintenance activity and we will be in touch about [it] in the near future,” Zabel said via email.
