Number 2 Road Bridge over the Middle Arm Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia

The Number 2 Road Bridge is a structure located the Middle Arm Fraser River in the city of Richmond, British Columbia. This 1,840 foot long (560 meter) span was one of the first major projects by the city after it incorporated in 1990. The Number 2 Road Bridge opened to traffic in 1993 and functionally supplements the two-lane Dismore Bridge as providing access to Richmond commuters to greater Metropolitain Vancouver.

Part 1; the history of the Number 2 Road Bridge

The Number 2 Road Bridge is located in the city of Richmond as a crossing the Middle Arm Fraser River between Lulu Island and Sea Island. Richmond incorporated as a city on December 3, 1990, and needed expanded access for commuters to have a more efficient method reaching downtown Vancouver. At the time of incorporation, the main bridge over the Middle Arm Fraser River was the two-lane Dismore Bridge along Gilbert Road.

The Number 2 Road Bridge was one of the first major infrastructure projects by the city of Richmond. The city funded $39,000,000 (Canadian dollars) via numerous revenue sources. The four-lane and 1,840 foot (560 meter) long span would open to traffic during July 1993. The structure included dedicated bicycle lanes and two pedestrian paths. The design was constructed relatively low to the river level to not interfere with flight operations out of Vancouver International Airport. The amusingly bland name of the span was chosen during a public comment period.

Part 2; a drive on the Number 2 Road Bridge

This photo tour of the Number 2 Road Bridge is along the namesake roadway in Richmond originating at River Road. The tour terminates on Sea Island approaching the entrance to the south terminal of Vancouver International Airport.

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