Travelling between Surrey and New Westminster is about to become a lot tougher with the start of a five-month rehabilitation project on the 79-year-old Pattullo Bridge.

Drivers are being warned of "significant traffic delays and congestion" from April 29 to Oct. 3 as crews work on resurfacing the entire span.

The mayors of Surrey and New Westminster are calling for a reduction in the tolls on the Port Mann Bridge while the Pattullo is being upgraded. (CBC)

The closures begin tonight with a complete shut down of the bridge beginning at 8 p.m. PT until Monday, May 2 at 5 a.m. PT when only a single lane in each direction will reopen.

Full bridge closures will be required twice a week nightly for the duration of the project and again for a four-day stretch from Sept. 30 to Oct 3.

TransLink recommends redirecting to the Port Mann or Alex Fraser Bridge, or budgeting an extra 40 minutes for commuters who still intend to use the Pattullo.

Pattullo Bridge closure summary: