The Government of British Columbia has issued an advisory cautioning people to avoid travelling by vehicle for their Wednesday morning commutes due to the risk of freezing rain. According to a press release from the Province, drivers who must travel should ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter conditions, including having winter or snow-rated tires in good condition.
Drivers should check road conditions on DriveBC before setting out, carry an emergency kit with a blanket and warm clothes, and allow extra time to reach their destination. A special weather statement issued by Environment Canada has warned of the potential for heavy snow and freezing rain in Metro Vancouver. These conditions will continue into Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.
The maintenance contractors will be out in full force, applying brine and abrasives and clearing snow as it accumulates. However, the Province has stated that freezing rain is one of the most difficult weather conditions to manage effectively. Therefore, bridges and roads may be closed to traffic in the interest of public safety.
The Province has also urged drivers to help maintenance crews by providing space for them on highways and moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This will allow crews to improve road conditions and reduce hazards for drivers.
In the Lower Mainland, the cable collar systems on the Port Mann and Alex Fraser bridges will be in operation as necessary. On Vancouver Island, the Highway 1/Malahat Chain Up Protocol will be implemented at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and remain overnight as needed. The Province has reiterated that drivers must check road conditions on DriveBC before travelling, carry an emergency kit with a blanket and warm clothes, and allow extra time to reach their destination.
