Once a vital artery connecting Sea Island and Lulu Island the Middle Arm Bridge stands as a testament to Vancouver’s engineering prowess. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a key player in a story spanning decades. Originally called the Middle Arm Bridge it was later renamed the Moray Bridge. This name honors Jonathan Moray a sergeant in the Royal Engineers. He later became New Westminster’s police chief.
The bridge opened in July 1957 the same day as the Oak Street Bridge. These two bridges replaced the old Marpole Bridge creating a longer route to Vancouver International Airport. This inconvenient detour lasted until the Arthur Laing Bridge opened in 1975. The Middle Arm Bridge’s construction cost about $1 million. The federal government generously contributed $400000.
This impressive structure is a swing bridge. Its centre span measures 53 metres. The approaches are 170 metres on Lulu Island and 124 metres on Sea Island. The bridge’s concrete and steel construction required significant maintenance over the years. Scouring around the protection piers necessitated repairs and rock reinforcement within a few years of its opening. Expansion joint repairs were undertaken between 1962 and 1963. The tender house a small building housing the swing-span controls was replaced in 1964. Major pier protection work was carried out between 1980 and 1981.
Before the Dinsmore Bridge opened in 1969 the Middle Arm Bridge was the only crossing. Malfunctions in 1961 caused traffic jams lasting several hours. Delayed airport flights resulted from the stranded passengers and crews. The bridge’s single lane in each direction until 2001 caused significant congestion from accidents swing-span openings and rush hour traffic. The Sea Island Connector’s 2001 opening changed the bridge’s function. It now carries only eastbound traffic from YVR. Access for vehicles is now restricted to Grant McConachie Way. The Middle Arm Bridge a silent witness to Vancouver’s evolution continues to connect communities and stands as a symbol of both engineering and history.