Drivers asked to avoid 'unnecessary travel' amid snowfall warnings
Drivers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are being asked to avoid non-essential travel this weekend, as potentially record-breaking snowfall threatens to close highways and bridges.
On Friday, much of Southern B.C. remained under a special weather statement from Environment Canada.
“We’ve been monitoring this weather forecast for several weeks now. It’s going to be a fairly significant event for the entire South Coast region,” said Ashok Bhatti, the executive director of the South Coast Region for the Ministry of Transportation.
Periods of heavy snow are expected on Saturday into Sunday morning with total accumulations of 15 to 25 centimetres possible in some areas, while higher elevations may see up to 35.
In a statement, the province’s Ministry of Transportation advised drivers to avoid “unnecessary travel” and prepare for delays and longer commutes if they need to head out on the roads.
“Only travel if you absolutely need to, the conditions will be challenging,” Bhatti said.
Drivers are also asked to ensure their vehicles are equipped with snow tires and be aware of the condition of the roads they’re planning to take.
“Maintenance contractors are proactively applying anti-icing brine, and will plow and sand to manage any accumulation of snow,” the ministry said in a statement.
Bhatti said the ministry’s focus will be on addressing as many areas as possible ahead of the major snowfall, in order to keep the roads as clear as possible.
“We have a list of all the different areas that we know have been challenging during the previous winter events so those areas have become focal points for us,” Bhatti said.
The ministry added that bridges and highways may be closed on short notice, or have lanes reduced, for safety reasons.
In the Lower Mainland, ice technicians will be stationed at the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges, activating cable collars as necessary to clear any accumulations of snow.
“Drivers can assist maintenance crews by providing space for them on highways and moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching,” the ministry said.
For the latest information on road conditions, drivers can visit Drive BC’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Poverty report cards: Which provinces got the worst grades?
Poverty and food insecurity have worsened in most of Canada in the past year and most provincial governments aren't doing enough to address the problem, according to a just-released series of report cards.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
Trudeau's speech to union delegates took aim at Conservatives
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's trip to the United States targeted U.S. lawmakers, but also his political opponents in Canada, as his speech to one of the largest unions in North America attempted to make the case that his party cares more about workers’ rights than Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.
Sheldon Keefe hired as head coach of New Jersey Devils
Sheldon Keefe has been hired as the head coach of the New Jersey Devils.
Disgruntled worker fatally shoots 2, wounds 3 at linen company near Philadelphia
A disgruntled employee opened fire at a linen company near Philadelphia on Wednesday, killing two coworkers and injuring three others, authorities said.