BC Conservatives will expand new Pattullo Bridge to six lanes as soon as possible

BC Conservative Leader John Rustad on Thursday announced a transformative infrastructure and transportation plan under the banner “Get BC Moving.” Rustad criticized the NDP for neglecting vital infrastructure projects and imposing delays that have worsened bottlenecks, congestion, and inefficiencies across the province.

“After 7 years of the NDP, aging infrastructure and inadequate public transit are dragging down daily life and our economy,” said Rustad. “While demand for all types of infrastructure continues to grow, the NDP has failed to fix the bottlenecks that exist today—let alone build what’s needed for tomorrow.”

Under the Conservative Party’s plan, the focus will be on building infrastructure that reduces congestion and supports the growth of communities across BC. “We will revitalize our transportation system with long-term investments to improve safety, reduce congestion, and get BC moving,” Rustad said.

Rustad pointed to the NDP’s cancellation of the George Massey Tunnel replacement as a prime example of poor planning and mismanagement. “The NDP just doesn’t like to build things. One of their first acts was to cancel the replacement for the George Massey Tunnel, a project that was already under construction,” he said.

Rustad assured voters that under a Conservative government, there would be no more delays and that critical projects would be prioritized and delivered on time. He outlined key projects that would Get BC Moving:

1. Commit to a new bridge across Okanagan Lake by working with the cities of Kelowna and West Kelowna to identify a preferred route, then adding the project into the provincial capital plan for completion no later than 2032.
2. Replace the aging Taylor Bridge across the Peace River.
3. Rebuild the Red Bridge in Kamloops after the tragedy of Lytton, ensuring that the Conservative Party delivers on critical infrastructure even in challenging times.
4. Upgrade Highway 19 in Nanaimo with grade separation at the most dangerous and congested intersections.
5. Expand Highway 1 to six lanes to Chilliwack, BC’s most critical transportation link. “It’s time to act like our entire economy depends on it—because it does.”
6. Identify and rebuild outdated Hwy 1 exits and interchanges, such as Brunette Ave. in Coquitlam, that are unsafe and cause major bottlenecks.
7. Expand the new Pattullo Bridge to six lanes as soon as possible.
8. Commit to a new Ironworkers Memorial Bridge with expanded capacity for both cars and public transit services, reversing plans to remove the eastbound lane on Main St. dedicated to local traffic.
9. Replace the George Massey Tunnel without further delay, with a new high-capacity crossing at the earliest possible date.
10. Invest in additional local infrastructure upgrades throughout BC once the needs are fully assessed by a new government committed to building, not bottlenecking.
11. Never implement road pricing or tolls, as David Eby continues to mislead the public about his plans for road tolls and road taxes.

Rustad also addressed the public transit crisis in BC, where service gaps, unreliable routes, and safety concerns have left commuters stranded and vulnerable. He called out the NDP for neglecting transit development while demand soared.

“A growing population needs a growing transit network. We will extend SkyTrain to Newton in Surrey, fund key projects in the Transport 2050 plan, and ensure reliable and safe transit for all British Columbians,” said Rustad.

Conservatives will also prioritize regional transit, including Fraser Valley regional rail and expanded transit service in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, as well as enhanced safety measures on public transit.

Rustad emphasized the need for reliable funding for public transit, pointing out that TransLink is struggling under an outdated financial model. He committed to fully funding TransLink for two years and auditing and reforming its financial model to ensure long-term stability.

Rustad also announced a commitment to end ICBC’s monopoly on basic auto insurance. “British Columbians deserve an insurance market that works for them,” he said. “We will open the market to competition, ensure rate fairness for all drivers, and restore accident victims’ rights to fair representation for life-altering injuries.”

“The NDP’s approach has been all about bottlenecks, delays, and inefficiencies. British Columbians deserve better. We’ll build the infrastructure we need to unlock the potential of this province, and we’ll do it without NDP road pricing or NDP road tolls,” Rustad said.

Under the BC Conservative Party infrastructure will finally become a priority, ensuring that British Columbians can move freely, safely, and efficiently across the province, he said.