It's so close, one can almost feel the thrill of whooshing across the Port Mann Bridge on one of 10 lanes that will open on the new bridge in another year.
But for now, drivers are getting a sneak peak of three lanes that opened this week and in December another five will open in advance of full bridge operation.
It's a very slow phasing in of a project which has been on budget and on time but there is a lot of work still to be done. This weekend drivers are being warned away from the construction zone around Cape Horn to allow key work to continue.
For those who can see the future through the construction dust, this is a good time to sign up for a tolling account as early birds are expected to get a $30 discount, the equivalent of 20 free crossings.
While nobody likes tolls or closed freeways, this early introductory rate may prove to be worth it for people who will cross the bridge regularly.
