Hazardous conditions on B.C. roads as extreme weather hits the province with a vengeance
British Columbians are trying to thaw from the bitter cold due to the Arctic outflow continuing to hit the province.
While residents try to keep warm, they’re also dealing with hazardous conditions on highways and roads. However, there’s no easy way to fix the issue.
“This particular event, with the temperatures as low as they are, it’s doing two things. One, it’s preventing any type of snow from melting whatsoever. And, salt is less effective,” said Brad Lofgren, director of public works for the City of Coquitlam.
A jack-knifed semi on Highway 17 near the Port Mann Bridge at about 11:30 a.m. caused a traffic backlog for a couple of hours. The truck was hauling a shipping container and hit a patch of ice and lost control, taking out the concrete dividers. No injuries were reported, but traffic was affected until emergency crews were able to clear the scene and repair the damage to the dividers. Witnesses reported extremely icy conditions, especially in the slow lane at the bottom of the hill.
Several municipalities said their road crews have been out 24/7 since before Christmas, when the brisk temperatures and snow first began to fall. Despite the efforts to clear the snow and ice, drivers are also being reminded to slow down and drive to conditions, and to also prepare for longer commutes.
“While our main routes are in bare and excellent condition, our local roads [in Coquitlam] are covered in compact snow,” said Lofgren. “The local roads will remain in this condition until temperatures rise, so residents need to be prepared for winter driving conditions in these areas of the city. In addition, there is more snow in the forecast for later this week, so we ask that residents ensure that they are prepared for it.”
The City of Coquitlam also noted that garbage collection is occurring as scheduled this week, but they are suspending organics collection this week, due to issues with the trucks related to the cold weather. Plus, the contents of the organics bins are frozen and are very difficult to empty effectively.
Meanwhile, TransLink is not reporting any major impacts to service as a result of the weather.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members today during a ceremony at British Columbia's legislature cenotaph commemorating the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.