From its mysterious history and horror stories, to the unseen paranormal activities, the Old Port Mann Bridge located in Surrey, British Columbia, has consistently been a source of intrigue and discovery. In this blog, we will explore the horror stories, history and paranormal activities surrounding this captivating bridge.
Horror Story of Old Port Mann Bridge - Surrey, British Columbia
The old Port Mann bridge had been an integral part of the British-Columbian landscape for generations. It had been an important trade route for decades, connecting the northerly city of Port Mann to the southerly city of Surrey.
On a cold October night, a group of people had decided to traverse the bridge in search of adventure. As they made their way down the beaten path, an eerie fog covered the area. The group became so wrapped up in the atmosphere that they failed to notice a pair of glowing eyes following them from the mist.
After a few minutes of walking, the group heard clanking and scraping behind them. They quickly realized that something was following them across the bridge. It was moving faster than any creature they had seen before. The group quickly took off in a run.
As they passed the halfway mark, they felt a cold chill run down their spine. They turned back to see the creature had now materialized on the bridge with them. With an utterly inhuman voice, it spoke directly to them.
"You thought to cross my bridge?" it said in a deep voice. "None who cross this bridge return. Not alive, at least. You will all pay for your crime against the Old Port Mann Bridge."
The group had no idea how the creature could be so powerful, but they knew they had to get off the bridge if they wanted to survive. Unfortunately, it was too late. The creature was faster and more powerful than any of them. In no time, it had taken them all.
Since that fateful night, there have been no further sightings of the creature. But those who dare to traverse the Old Port Mann Bridge in the dark of night still report hearing the same chilling voice as the creature replays its warning over and over again.
"You thought to cross my bridge? None who cross this bridge return. Not alive, at least. You will all pay for your crime against the Old Port Mann Bridge."
History & Information of Old Port Mann Bridge - Surrey, British Columbia
The Old Port Mann Bridge (also known as the original Port Mann Bridge)sits on the Fraser River near the city of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The 1,053-metre (3,455-ft) steel truss bridge was constructed between 1959 and 1964, connecting Surrey and Coquitlam. It was the first bridge in British Columbia to cross the Fraser River.
The Port Mann Bridge helped alleviate traffic congestion on the Patullo Bridge, which had previously served as the only bridge crossing between Surrey and Coquitlam. Prior to the bridge’s construction, commuters spent up to an hour in traffic each day making the crossing. After it opened, the Old Port Mann Bridge created a major economic and commercial corridor between the two cities, accessed by 200,000 vehicles each day.
In 2010, the construction of a new Port Mann Bridge began less than 500 metres (1,640 ft) away from the original bridge. The wider, ten lane, Cable-Stay Bridge was estimated to cost around $2.5 billion. Completed in 2012, it stands as the widest and longest bridge in the world.
Due to this, the Old Port Mann Bridge was slated for demolition in early 2016, but due to legal proceedings, the bridge was not completely demolished until early 2019. Today, the public crossing over the Fraser River is serviced solely by the new bridge, though the Old Port Mann Bridge remains an important part of Surrey and Coquitlam’s history.
Paranomial Activity of Old Port Mann Bridge - Surrey, British Columbia
The Old Port Mann Bridge in Surrey, British Columbia, was one of the most iconic structures in the province before its demolition in 2017. Built in 1965, the Frankenmonster (as it was fondly referred to locally) revolutionized transportation for the region, providing access to Vancouver from the Fraser Valley and enabling commerce and leisure activities. The old bridge was one of the first steel truss double-decked bridges in the world and a sight to behold. While its demolition ended an era that spanned more than five decades, the bridge’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its grandiose scale and bustling activities.
The Old Port Mann Bridge was a bustling hub of activity, with people from all over the region utilizing its services. Its two decks, one upper and one lower, were frequently filled with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, all taking advantage of the bridge’s convenient crossing to the other side of the Fraser River. It was in operation 24 hours a day and served as an emblem for the region’s connection with Vancouver.
The bridge was also a popular tourist attraction in the area, featuring breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Frequently lit up in festive Father’s Day and Canada Day (July 1st) colors, the bridge brought a sense of awe and wonder to all who drove across it. During special occasions such as the 2010 Winter Olympics, the bridge was lit with Olympic colors, transforming it into a breathtaking spectacle.
The old bridge also had its fair share of paranormal activity. Tales of ghostly figures hovering around the bridge’s towers, ethereal lights appearing in the night sky, and phantom sounds of people and unknown creatures are all said to have been experienced by people driving, walking, and cycling across the bridge. Whether this activity is fact or fiction remains to be seen, but the stories certainly add to the aura and mystique of the Old Port Mann Bridge’s legacy.
The Old Port Mann Bridge has been replaced by a new crossing, but its near-mythical status in the region will always remain. Its grandeur was an integral part of the region and will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
Are you planning to explore haunted places this vacation? Experience of people & Reviews of Old Port Mann Bridge - Surrey, British Columbia
The dismantling of the 53-year-old Port Mann Bridge has been met with a range of reactions from the public. Those who were regular users of the bridge have shared mixed feelings of nostalgia and excitement for the journey that the new bridge, the Port Mann-Highway 1 Improvement Project (PMHIP), will bring.
For many, the Port Mann Bridge held strong memories of familial travel, growing up in British Columbia, and the feeling of accomplishment for crossing the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. There was even a sense of pride knowing that this bridge was a part of Canadian engineering history.
On the other hand, regular travelers on the bridge had become familiar with the traffic-caused delays and the heavy environmental pollution that had resulted from it. This pollution had an immense negative impact on the environment of Surrey and much of the rest of the Lower Mainland. The need for a newer bridge was obvious and many believed that the Port Mann Bridge had become outdated.
The old Port Mann Bridge was built in 1964 and with the emergence of the PMHIP in 2013, it was decided that the old bridge had come to the end of its useful life. After much discussion, the old bridge was demolished in 2018 and an entirely new bridge was built, though it is not the same as the old one, memories and nostalgia remain around the bridge.
As part of the International Civil Engineering Heritage Awards, the Port Mann Bridge was recognized for its recognition for innovation, its iconic features, and its significance for Canada as a whole. This recognition did much to help people see the bridge for what it was — a symbol of progress, courage, and engineering brilliance.
Many people are sad to see the old bridge go, but are excited for what’s to come. The new Port Mann Bridge promises to bring improved traffic flow and better air quality for motorists and the environment and will help the booming city of Surrey, British Columbia to keep on growing.
FAQ'S of Old Port Mann Bridge - Surrey, British Columbia
Q: What is the history behind Old Port Mann Bridge?
A: The Old Port Mann Bridge was built in the early 1960s over the Fraser River to provide access between Surrey and Coquitlam in British Columbia. The bridge was the longest bridge in North America and the widest in the world at the time until it was replaced by the new Port Mann Bridge in 2012.
Q: What types of construction materials were used for the Old Port Mann Bridge?
A: The 7,365-foot-long bridge was constructed with steel trusses, reinforced concrete piers and steel plate girders.
Q: Are there any recreational activities available at the Old Port Mann Bridge?
A: Yes, the bridge is popular among hikers, cyclists, and photographers who appreciate the scenic views of the Fraser River and its surrounding area. The Old Port Mann Bridge also features plaques that show a map of the bridge’s history.
This abundant place has earned its reputation as the most haunted place in the world.