Submitted. Metro Vancouver drivers are being advised that work is
well underway to prepare the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges for
the snowfall expected this afternoon.
Drivers should be prepared for winter conditions and possible
delays.
The ministry and TI Corp have brought in additional crews to the
Metro Vancouver area, in advance of the winter weather conditions,
in order to fully prepare the bridges for safe travel. Drivers will
see crew members performing precautionary safety measures. Traffic
control personnel may also put lane closures in place depending on
travel conditions and work underway.
Crews have applied anti-icing solution on the crossbeams of the Alex
Fraser Bridge’s towers, and will repeat this application throughout
the day and evening. The anti-icing fluid will reduce the chance
that ice and snow will build up on the crossbeams overhead.
As crews work to ensure the safest possible conditions for those
driving over the Alex Fraser Bridge, travellers are advised that
temporary lane closures may have to go into effect. This would occur
if heavy and wet snow accumulates on the bridge cables and ministry
staff feel it could damage cars travelling on the outside lanes.
Crews will be closely monitoring the bridge throughout the day and
evening, and if conditions get too severe, they may temporarily
close the bridge for safety reasons. Motorists are encouraged to
check DriveBC, which will be regularly updated with information on
the crossing.
The Port Mann Bridge has a snow removing system – the only system of
its kind in the world, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to
keeping the bridge clear and safe during a snow storm. Chain link
collars are fitted to each of the bridge’s 288 cables. Collars are
dropped one-at-a-time to dislodge snow accumulation.
In preparation for this afternoon’s anticipated snowfall on the Port
Mann Bridge, the ministry’s snow and ice technicians have been
working to reload the collars from the bottom of the cables after
Monday’s snowfall. As snow collects on the cables, crews will be
conducting frequent collar drops throughout the day and evening to
clear any snow.
Please be advised that because temperatures are expected to hover
around freezing conditions, the snow could be heavy and wet. In an
extended snow storm, or if conditions require it, engineers may
decide to implement metered, or alternating traffic, to provide
crews with necessary time and space to work. The additional crews,
the cable collar system and possible lane control on the Port Mann
Bridge are all part of the ministry’s efforts to prevent any
closures on the bridge.
The ministry will keep the driving public informed via Twitter,
DriveBC, and digital message signs. Traffic control personnel may
also be on site directing traffic.
For up-to-date route information please visit DriveBC at:
www.drivebc.ca or on your mobile device at: www.drivebc.ca/mobile
Drivers are reminded to adjust their driving to the winter
conditions they encounter. This includes slowing down, increasing
following distance to at least four seconds, and using extra
caution.