Major B.C. highways between Lower Mainland and Interior closed, Port Mann Bridge reopens
Major highway routes between B.C.'s Lower Mainland and the Interior were closed Friday morning because of extreme winter weather conditions and vehicle incidents.
After dealing with closures Thursday, the Coquihalla Highway was blocked again for several hours Friday between Hope and Merritt because of a vehicle incident. Northbound lanes reopened at about 1:30 p.m., but drivers wanting to use Highway 5 were warned to expect major delays and southbound lanes remained closed.
The highway is a popular trucking route, and was partially destroyed during a series of storms in mid-November. It reopened last month, but a 101.8-kilometre stretch is only open to commercial traffic, emergency vehicles and vehicles such as inter-city buses until more of the damage can be repaired.
Travellers couldn't take Highway 3 between Metro Vancouver and the Interior either Friday morning. That route was closed because of a high avalanche hazard, especially between Second Avalanche Gate and Allisson Pass Summit, DriveBC said. An estimated reopening time wasn't provided.
That highway closure also meant a power outage at Manning Park couldn't be addressed.
"Crews are unable to access the area due to the closure of Highway 3," BC Hydro said in a statement. "Once the highway reopens, crews will be ready to begin work to restore power."
METRO VANCOUVER BRIDGE REOPENS
Meanwhile, a major traffic artery in the Lower Mainland reopened early Friday morning, just in time for the morning commute, while some lanes on another bridge were closed.
The Port Mann Bridge was shut down late Thursday night due to concerns about ice bombs, but reopened early Friday morning.
Its reopening is a huge relief for commuters who would have otherwise faced major delays, but new weather and travel advisories could still cause some big issues.
The Port Mann was shut down just after 10 p.m. Thursday because the cable-collar system used to remove potential ice bombs was not effective as the wind picked up and temperatures rose.
It’s something the Ministry of Transportation first warned about Wednesday, with concerns about the safety of crews deploying the system in the inclement and gusty weather.
A similar issue shut down the Alex Fraser Bridge for 10 hours Thursday, and while it reopened that night, the southbound right lane was closed again Friday morning "for winter operations."
Issues could persist Friday, with a wind warning now in effect for Metro Vancouver.
Drive BC has issued a travel advisory for Highway 1 between Langley and Hope due to hazardous conditions on the road, something that led to many spun-out vehicles Thursday.
“As things change to rain a lot of that deeper layer of cold air is going to allow that rain to super cool and then freeze on contact when it reaches the road surfaces or sidewalk surfaces. So the bigger problem for the (Fraser) Valley is going to be freezing precipitation,” said Brian Proctor of Environment Canada.
Officials are warning drivers not to be deceived by what may appear to be bare pavement.
The Lower Mainland is still riddled with black ice, pooling water, and potholes creating hazardous driving conditions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.