SRY Rail Link Serpentine Bridge Replacement

We built a new flood resilient rail bridge crossing over the Serpentine River in partnership with Southern Railway of BC. The previous 40-metre long timber bridge was vulnerable to floatation in the case of a severe flood.

The new crossing incorporates innovative flood control features. Features include concrete walls on both sides of track to protect the track from flooding and steel sheet pile connections to Surrey’s extensive flood control system.

What will this project achieve?

The new bridge will:

• Keep our economy moving by ensuring safe and uninterrupted movement of goods. Approximately $190 million in freight moves across the Serpentine Railway Bridge annually. Severe floods would have shut down rail operations and the supply of goods.
• Protect the nearby community and agricultural lands from flooding. This flood protection will help agricultural production in the area, contributing to the economy and food security of the region. The new bridge will enable Surrey to realize the full benefits of the Serpentine and Nicomekl Flood Control Project, which commenced in 1997 to improve flood control of agricultural land.
• Increase worker safety during railway operation and maintenance.
• Ensures safe passage for Surrey’s Heritage Rail.

This project is part of the first phase of implementation of the Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS). CFAS guides our work in ensuring our community is resilient, safe, and prepared for coastal flooding and sea level rise. 

Project timing

Construction of the bridge began in fall 2019 and was completed in spring 2020.

Contact

For more information about this project, please contact Akbar Pabani, City of Surrey Project Manager at 604-591-4401 or Akber.Pabani@surrey.ca.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.