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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.