Port Mann Bridge sets Guinness record

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

The Port Mann Bridge is entering the Guinness Book of World Records as the widest bridge on the planet.

The bridge is just over 65 metres wide for most of its 470-metre-long span, and reaches 65.231 metres at its widest points – beating the previous record by more than 16 metres.

Its official inclusion in the famous record book was celebrated Thursday at a worker appreciation barbecue, where B.C. Transportation Minister Mary Polak announced the bridge will be free for one week after it opens in December.

“This toll-free period will allow drivers to experience the time-saving benefits of the world’s widest bridge first-hand and at no cost,” Polak said in a statement.

The government has touted the bridge as the biggest transportation project in the province’s history.

Just yesterday, Polak announced that tolls for passenger vehicles crossing the bridge would be start at half price for the first three months of operation.

Cars, pickup trucks and SUVS will be charged just $1.50 until March 1, at which point the cost will jump to the previously announced rate of $3.

Drivers who register for a free tolling account by Feb. 28 will continue to pay the introductory rate for another nine months, however.

Cars pulling trailers or light trucks will pay an introductory rate of $4.50, which will jump up to $6 on March 1 for non-account holders.

The introductory rate for motorcycles will be $1, a reduction of 50 cents off of the regular toll, while semis and tractor-trailers will be paying $9 per crossing with no promotional discount.

Unregistered vehicles that cross the bridge are tolled using license plate sensors. If payment is not received within seven days of crossing, drivers receive an invoice from ICBC and an additional processing charge of $2.30.

With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Michele Brunoro