One of the region's busiest bridges will be closed for repaving repairs Aug. 17 to 20.

The Pattullo Bridge will be closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, during the weekend of Aug. 17 to 20.

The closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday Aug. 17 and run until 3 a.m. on Monday Aug. 20.

The closure will allow for re-paving of a portion of the 75-year-old bridge where damage to the asphalt pavement at the south end has become a safety concern. The work will depend on the weather, as asphalt requires dry conditions to dry and cure.

If there is rain heavier than showers, the work will be postponed until the following weekend.

Other work may also be done during the scheduled closure, including repairing some of the corroded pedestrian guard rails.

"As well as addressing the immediate safety issue, closing the bridge will provide an opportunity to examine the bridge deck thoroughly," TransLink senior project manager Darren Woodworth said in a press release. "Keeping the bridge well-maintained and safe is our number-1 priority and TransLink conducts regular and ongoing maintenance checks to assess the condition of the structure."

Motorists will need to plan alternate routes during the closure, such as the Alex Fraser, Port Mann and Queensborough bridges.

Coast Mountain Bus Company is prepared to add additional buses to routes serving King George and Scott Road Stations; SkyTrain will continue its regularly scheduled service over the weekend.

Additional traffic flaggers will be used to ensure safety requirements are met. One lane will be available throughout the closure to allow emergency response vehicles to get across the bridge, if needed.

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