Vancouver city crews were salting and sanding several high-traffic roads Monday morning after low temperatures caused black ice and slippery conditions, creating mayhem for drivers and transit service.
A drop in temperature around 3 a.m. Monday and the arrival of drizzle caused a rapid change in conditions and quick freezing on the ground, a City of Vancouver spokesperson said in a news release.
Trucks poured salt and sand on 41st Avenue between Main Street and Fraser Street, closing westbound traffic. The lanes are expected to open shortly.
Businesses and residents are urged to treat the ice on sidewalks outside of their homes to assist pedestrians.
Freezing rain is projected to last until tomorrow morning and the city urged pedestrians and motorists to use caution.
Meanwhile, black ice and slippery conditions have affected service on multiple transit routes in Vancouver, according to TransLink.
Capilano Hill in North Vancouver remains closed, with buses going to and from Grouse Mountain affected, TransLink said.
Fraser Street in Vancouver was closed by police while salting trucks passed through but has since reopened.
Buses were stuck at Kingsway and Victoria Drive, and at Rupert Street and Wellington Avenue.
Buses cannot get into Nanaimo, Joyce and 29th Avenue stations due to road conditions, TransLink said.
Light snow falling on downtown Vancouver may cause difficulties with transit service, they said.
TransLink spokesman Drew Snider warned passengers to dress for cold weather and to wear proper footwear as delays may be longer than usual at bus stops.
For more information regarding transit delays, go to TransLink’s website.
