Crews keep watch over Lower Mainland bridges, highways at risk of closures due to weather
Posted January 16, 2020 5:38 am.
Last Updated January 16, 2020 9:03 am.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The roads are still slushy, with cars slipping and sliding in many parts of the Lower Mainland, but there’s no question major routes are in much better shape in places like Metro Vancouver than they were on Wednesday.
The best evidence of that so far is the fact drivers largely are in control of their vehicles. However, as you push out to the Fraser Valley, the conditions are worse in some areas.
We’re tracking road conditions for you @NEWS1130 on another chilly day for Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley. I’ve been going along Highway 1. Credit to crews — much improvement from when snow first fell. Still a bit dicey in sections east of Abbotsford as you go deeper into FV pic.twitter.com/BYNOuNG6ll
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) January 16, 2020
The region was hit hard by blowing snow on Wednesday, which created whiteout conditions along Highway 1 that were so severe a portion of the major road was shut down for several hours.
The province warned of possible closures of bridges and highways as a precautionary measure due to weather.
Thursday, they urged continued caution, saying drivers should be prepared for tricky conditions.
“All motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and drive according to weather and road conditions, slowing down when they encounter bad weather or limited visibility,” says a statement.
Caution continues. We're encouraging those in the Lower Mainland, including the Fraser Valley, as well as Vancouver Island, to continue to exercise caution and be prepared for winter driving conditions. Info: https://t.co/wkOy4WnFeI
— BC Transportation (@TranBC) January 16, 2020
Meanwhile, TransLink is also warning transit could take longer than usual, after the system saw a chaotic Wednesday plagued by delays, snow and ice-related issues on SkyTrain and roads, and buses unable to make it through the snow in much of Metro Vancouver.
Listen live for traffic updates every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @NEWS1130Traffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
You can also follow meteorologists Russ Lacate and Michael Kuss on Twitter for the latest on the weather conditions. Catch their reports every 10 minutes after traffic.
#Arctic air retreats…gradually. It pulls away from the coastline today, so we get seaside showers, but inland flurries. More #snow flakes Friday morning. Final storm Friday night poses forecast problems: Rain & wind on the coast, snow inland & hier levels, risk of #freezingrain pic.twitter.com/bZoVz12mH3
— Russ Lacate (@RLacate) January 16, 2020
-With files from Kathryn Tindale
