Alex Fraser Bridge reopens after winter maintenance

Posted January 6, 2022 12:49 pm.

Last Updated January 6, 2022 10:44 pm.

The Alex Fraser Bridge reopened in both directions between Delta and Richmond Thursday evening after wintry conditions and ice build-up forced an hours-long closure.

Via @DriveBC – #AlexFraserBridge is closed for winter operations. Check DriveBC for the latest updates.https://t.co/EjaZEZR3X8 #BChwy91 #RichmondBC #DeltaBC pic.twitter.com/dRyykyPbXf

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) January 6, 2022

Heavy snow came down across the region Wednesday night into Thursday morning. On Wednesday, the province warned the Alex Fraser or Port Mann Bridges could be closed with little to no notice.

“Under normal conditions, 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 traffic can safely pass. However, high winds can increase the shedding of snow and pose a risk to the rope technicians. This prevents them from deploying the system,” read the statement from the Ministry of Transportation.

The province is pre-warning drivers the Alex Fraser and Port Mann bridges may be closed w/o much notice on Thurs. If the snow/freezing rain is accompanied by wind, then the cable-collar system that prevents ice bombs won't work properly so the crossings will close. @CityNewsVAN

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) January 6, 2022

Accumulations of 10 to 20 centimetres fell in some parts of the region overnight, while others reported even more snowfall.

An extended period of freezing rain is also possible. Snow-clearing crews have been busy across the region.

‘Customers should expect delays,’ says TransLink rep

The weather made for many challenges on local roads Thursday morning. Slushy and slippery conditions were reported all over Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, making it tough for buses and cars to get around some areas.

TransLink says it is keeping a close eye on conditions.

If we see this freezing rain turn into icy road conditions, then that will be a challenge for us,” said Tina Lovgreen with the transit authority. “Customers should expect delays and really leave themselves extra time and build extra time in their commute.”

It was a tough go for buses earlier this week in steep areas of Vancouver, the North Shore, and Surrey. But the biggest issue was the Granville Street Bridge, where several buses became stuck due to icy conditions.

Some bus routes in Vancouver saw delays of four hours due to conditions.

“We have transit supervisors out, making sure that they report any particular challenging areas to municipalities so we can get their help to come and sand those sections of the road so we can get our buses moving,” Lovgreen said.

Lovgreen has previously said buses are “only as reliable as the roads are clear.”

She urges riders to check their routes before leaving, and wear proper footwear and clothes in case they are waiting in snowy conditions. Riders can use the online trip planner or get transit alerts, as well as check for updates on TransLink’s social media feeds.

Extra staff had been brought in Wednesday evening into Thursday and Lovgreen says TransLink opted to swap out 60-foot buses for 40-foot ones because they are “a bit more agile in snowy conditions.”

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For SkyTrain, special cars run on the tracks to spread de-icer.

“We did run trains overnight in the event of heavy snowfall, and we’ll do that again tonight if that happens,” Lovgreen said Thursday.

“But what’s really challenging is sometimes the ice happens quickly. As soon as one of the SkyTrain cars has gone through and sprayed de-icer … it’s already frozen. And so we have to continue this cycle, which makes it super challenging.”

The snow has also led to some school closures.

For the latest traffic updates, tune into CityNews every 10 minutes on the ones or visit us on Twitter.

With files from Robyn Crawford

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