Traffic alerts: Downed power lines snarl traffic in different parts of Metro Vancouver
The storm that swept through B.C.'s South Coast on Thursday downed power lines onto busy roadways and snarled traffic for hours in different parts of Metro Vancouver.
HIGHWAY 1
The first downed BC Hydro cables were reported on Highway 1 near the border between Coquitlam and New Westminster at around 9:30 a.m.
Crews initially closed off the busy artery to westbound traffic, but later shut the highway down entirely to make way for repairs.
Officials confirmed Highway 1 was fully reopened around six hours after the initial closure.
"Continue to expect delays as the heavy congestion clears," DriveBC wrote on Twitter.
BRIDGEPORT ROAD
In Richmond, RCMP warned drivers that downed BC Hydro lines had Bridgeport Road closed between Viking Way and No. 6 Road.
"Traffic is being diverted. BC Hydro is en route," authorities said in an alert shortly after 1 p.m. "An estimated time of reopening is not available at this time."
WARNINGS FOR DRIVERS
On Thursday, ICBC warned drivers to brace themselves for the change in weather and possible flooding on roads.
According to the Crown corporation, crashes from drivers going too fast for the conditions typically increase by 90 per cent over the fall months as the weather worsens.
"In bad weather, slow down, increase your following distance and allow extra travel time," ICBC's statement said. "If you find yourself on a road that's flooded, the best choice is to turn around if you can do so safely. If a road is marked as closed, don't continue."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
MPs summon ArriveCan contractor to the House to be admonished in rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archaeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.
Some millennials say federal budget was 'a letdown' amid cost of living struggles
It’s a picture-perfect scene: Adam and Maria Reynolds are playing with their daughters inside their Port Coquitlam, B.C. home. Watching them together, you might not realize the Reynolds household is stretched to its limit.