Eight lanes open on new Port Mann Bridge

The new Port Mann Bridge will be fully operational in 2013. (CTV)

The new Port Mann Bridge in Coquitlam, B.C., has opened to eight lanes of traffic, slashing commute times of up to an hour for some people.

Premier Christy Clark officially opened the province's largest transportation project on Saturday.

The new crossing replaces the old four-lane bridge that opened in 1964, and there was plenty of opposition to the new project by groups who lobbied for improved public transit.

Construction will continue on the new bridge and along the Highway 1 corridor through next year to complete the crossing to its full 10-lane capacity.

Clark says that will make the Port Mann the widest bridge in the world.

Drivers will pay a $1.50 toll starting next Saturday to cross the bridge that spans the Fraser River