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
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.