Commuters face traffic hell due to Pattullo Bridge closure

Tom Prendergast, CEO of Translink (right) and B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon speak to media. Behind them is the charred 60-foot section of the bridge.Photograph by: Stuart Davis, Vancouver Sun

METRO VANCOUVER — Commuters crossing the Fraser River can expect longer line-ups and further delays after a suspicious fire Sunday shut down the Pattullo Bridge for at least a month, diverting its 80,000 daily users to other routes and onto public transit.

TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie urged commuters to leave earlier or later for work and consider carpooling and telecommuting, predicting overcrowded conditions on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges and George Massey Tunnel, as well as long waits for buses and SkyTrains.