Port Mann Bridge re-opened after crash
Posted September 17, 2021 1:53 pm.
Last Updated September 17, 2021 3:10 pm.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The Port Mann Bridge has been re-opened to traffic after a a multi-vehicle collision blocked eastbound traffic early Friday afternoon.
Surrey RCMP have confirmed one person has been taken to the hospital after the crash, which happened at about 1:30 p.m.
When the route re-opened at about 3 p.m., eastbound traffic on Highway 1 was backed all the way to the Willingdon onramp.
Update from BC Highway Patrol which says eastbound traffic is completely re-opened. Details in @NEWS1130Traffic every 10 minutes on the ones. https://t.co/eldB2JC0ey
— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) September 17, 2021
It’s unclear what the cause of the crash was, but Cpl. Brad Lougheed with the B.C. Highway Patrol says the weather was likely a factor.
“I do know at this time of year, when we start to get heavy rain, people start to hydroplane due to speed and poor tires,” Lougheed said.
“People who don’t have proper tires when they’re driving at higher speeds on the highway and it’s heavy rain, there can be a little bit of pooling of water on the highway, which causes the vehicle to hydroplane and generally if they’re not an experienced driver or they’re not aware of what’s happening, they can lose control of the vehicle.”
He says it’s the time of year when drivers need to start thinking about switching tires.
“[That] means having a winter-rated tire with more than 3.5mm of tread depth,” he added, noting that requirement doesn’t come into effect until next month.
The Port Mann Bridge, looking westbound, at 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2021. (Credit: DriveBC)
Listen live to NEWS 1130 every 10 minutes on the ones for any major traffic updates. You can also follow us on Twitter @NEWS1130Traffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
With files from Sonia Aslam
