The End of an Era: Crossing the Pattullo One Last Time 🏗️ | Vancouver Vibe 🇨🇦

The Pattullo Bridge replacement is finally here. As we move into late 2025, the historic Pattullo Bridge is officially being retired to make way for the new stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge (also known as the Riverview Bridge). This massive infrastructure shift is changing the Metro Vancouver landscape forever. In this urban exploration vlog, we dive deep into the industrial history of the Fraser River, the legacy of the old orange arches, and what the future holds for commuters traveling between Surrey and New Westminster. 🌉🏗️

This isn't just about a new bridge; it’s about a cultural and environmental evolution. The stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge name, gifted by the Kwantlen First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band, marks a new chapter for British Columbia’s reconciliation efforts. We take a look at the stunning cable-stayed design and discuss how the reduction from six river piers to only two will drastically improve the Fraser River's health and local salmon migration. It’s a fascinating mix of modern engineering and indigenous storytelling right in the heart of the Lower Mainland. 🐟🌊

Our journey through this changing urban environment begins at Scott Road Station. Before heading onto the bridge deck, we stopped for a legendary Masala Chai at Chai Coffee Company, a local staple that captures the diverse energy of Surrey. Crossing the aging 1937 span is a sensory experience—the roar of traffic, the vibration of the steel, and the narrow lanes that have challenged drivers for 88 years. We explore these textures one last time, contrasting the rusted orange through-arch design with the sleek, white modern towers of the replacement rising beside it. ☕🌫️

The exploration concludes in the historic neighborhood of New Westminster on Wellington Street. This area represents the "Old Vancouver" charm, with its heritage homes and quiet streets that have overlooked the Fraser River for generations. Documenting this transition is essential for anyone interested in BC history, urban development, and the unique "Vancouver Vibe" that defines our region. From the industrial grit of the bridge deck to the peaceful residential finish, this is the story of a city in motion. 🏙️🧡

We hope this deep dive into the Pattullo Bridge replacement gives you a new perspective on the roads we travel every day. As the orange arches eventually disappear from our skyline, this video serves as a final look at an icon that served us for nearly a century. If you enjoy urban storytelling and exploring the hidden history of the Pacific Northwest, make sure to follow along for more. 🎥✨

Timestamps
00:00 Expo Line SkyTrain: Cinematic Views of the Fraser River Crossing 🚄
02:12 Exploring Scott Road Station: The Gateway to Surrey
04:18 Surrey’s Best Masala Chai? Visiting Chai Coffee Company ☕
06:09 Navigating the Urban Path to the Pattullo Bridge Footpath
10:36 King George Blvd: The Industrial Heart of Surrey’s Transit
11:19 Crossing the Pattullo Bridge: 1937 Arches vs. New stal̕əw̓asəm Towers 🏗️
28:19 Historic New Westminster: Ending the Journey on Wellington Street 🏡

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