Sea Island Connector


The Sea Island Connector, a.k.a. Airport Connector Bridge, is a crossing over the middle arm of the Fraser River in Metro Vancouver.

History

Project

Completed in August 2001, the concrete beams, atop the exposed steel piles driven into the river, support the concrete girders. This low-level three-lane bridge, parallel to the Moray Bridge, carries westbound traffic toward the Vancouver International Airport. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for BC owns and maintains the structure. However, the joint exercise was a partnership of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, the province, the federal government, and the City of Richmond.
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The $40m project also comprised a vehicle overpass, interchanges on Sea Island to Grant McConachie Way and Russ Baker Way, and enhancements to Bridgeport Road and the Highway 99 interchange. The collaboration improved YVR access from Richmond and the highway, which includes the Oak Street Bridge.

Roadways

Formerly, Airport Rd. leading to Grauer Rd., and Cessna Dr., branched at the foot of the Moray Bridge. Airport Rd. became a cul-de-sac. Cessna Dr. access reconfigured to Russ Baker Way.
The Moray Bridge had been a single lane each way that was subject to traffic congestion from vehicle accidents, swing span openings for boats, or rush hour. Although commercial vessels largely avoid the middle arm, it is popular with pleasure craft. Yacht masts can clear the new bridge when travelling to the marinas immediately downstream.
During November and December 2019, the consecutive Russ Baker Way overpass experienced lane closures for concrete rehabilitation, better drainage, and bearing replacement.

Transit