Downed tree in Maple Ridge knocks down six power poles, lines on Lougheed Highway
Posted September 8, 2020 6:20 am.
Last Updated September 8, 2020 8:37 am.
MAPLE RIDGE (NEWS 1130) – Those of you who take Lougheed Highway through Maple Ridge are being asked to give yourselves extra time on your commute this morning.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says a tree that was toppled by high winds on Monday afternoon knocked down six power poles and lines.
The incident shut down a section of Lougheed Highway between 240th and 272nd streets for several hours starting at 2 p.m. Monday. Eastbound lanes have since reopened, and one lane westbound is also now getting through.
Some good news. One westbound lane is now open! @NEWS1130 @NEWS1130Traffic https://t.co/DCU4vzNE6s
— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) September 8, 2020
Downed lines also trapped some people in a vehicle, however, they’ve since been removed from the car safely with no injuries reported.
“Due to the scale of damage and for the safety of the crews, drivers may experience delays as BC Hydro works to repair the downed lines across two kilometres of the road between 240th and 272nd streets,” the ministry says in a release.
Crews are expected to work through the morning Tuesday to try and restore power to affected customers.
#BCHwy7 Delays expected for downed power lines between 272 St & 240th St due to high wind yesterday. Crews working thru morning to restore power, and traffic control personnel will remain on site. Alternate routes should be used if available. https://t.co/U0Z5f6AJmi #MapleRidge
— Lower Mainland Dist. (@TranBC_LMD) September 8, 2020
Drivers can take Dewdney Trunk Road as an alternate route. The ministry says westbound traffic is being diverted at 272nd Street.
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