Delta, BC (WNews Vancouver) – The province has closed the Alex Fraser Bridge between Delta and Richmond due to safety issues. The province closed the bridge after 12:30 pm according to the Drive BC Twitter account.
According to the press release, the Port Mann Bridge could also be closed.
The Alex Fraser Bridge is closed in the interest of safety, and the Port Mann Bridge could be closed if weather conditions deteriorate.
For updates and to plan alternative travel routes, drivers should check: DriveBC.ca
Ministry staff are closely monitoring conditions on the Port Mann Bridge. Drivers are advised that there could be intermittent closures or a full closure this afternoon.
The ministry uses a cable-collar system to remove snow that builds up on the cables of the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges, so that traffic can safely pass. The cable collars were successfully deployed overnight and this morning. However, with warming temperatures and windy conditions, snow and ice can shed onto the travel lanes. “
The closure comes after the region was hit with heavy snowfall overnight and freezing rain which made the conditions not safe. Many schools and services were suspended for the day.
Some parts of the Lower Mainland saw over 20 cm from Wednesday into Thursday morning.
The weather condition even saw the cancellation of BC Ferries between the Island and the Mainland for most of the day.
The weather is expected to change over to heavy rain overnight into Friday. More snow is expected Friday night into Saturday.
No word on when the Alex Fraser Bridge will reopen to traffic.
