Truck hits Delta overpass on Highway 99 leaving ‘significant damage’: MoT
Posted December 28, 2023 12:39 pm.
Last Updated December 29, 2023 7:40 pm.
A truck hit a Lower Mainland overpass Thursday, this time in Delta.
Firefighters confirm the 112th Street overpass was hit in the southbound lanes of Highway 99, between Ladner Trunk Road and Highway 91, just after noon.
— Gregory Cruse (@gcruse1965) December 28, 2023
Crews say two vehicles, one of them being a semi, were involved in the incident, with no injuries reported.
Traffic heading south was blocked at the overpass for several hours. DriveBC says the highway reopened just before midnight.
Company suspended pending investigation: Ministry
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said it was “frustrating to hear that another commercial vehicle driver” had crashed into the overpass, which it notes sustained “significant damage.”
“The RCMP and CVSE are on the scene on Highway 99 at 112th Street and further details around the circumstances of the crash and any injuries aren’t yet available,” the statement, issued just after 2 p.m., said.
“CVSE is suspending the company’s ability to operate in B.C. while the investigation is underway, which will likely cost the company tens of thousands of dollars. CVSE will name the company as soon as they’ve been officially notified of suspension.”
There have been a series of overpasses hit by trucks in the region over the past year. The most recent was about 40 days ago.
Province to bring in new enforcement
Just earlier this month, the province announced tougher action to reduce the number of overpass and infrastructure crashes involving large trucks, with increased fines and penalties.
Amendments to regulations under the Commercial Transport and Motor Vehicle acts will take effect in June 2024.
“We know that the vast majority of commercial drivers in B.C. operate safely and responsibly. However, incidents like this are why we’re taking tougher action to deter commercial vehicle collisions with bridges, overpasses or other highway infrastructure,” the Ministry of Transportation said Thursday.
The ministry notes these kinds of incidents “have a huge impact,” not just on commuters, but also on first responders and the movement of goods and services.
“This issue needs to stop. That’s why we have increased fines and are grounding fleets through suspensions, so highway traffic keeps moving safely and reliably for travellers and commercial vehicles, and people can count on their commute,” the ministry added.
Listen to CityNews 1130 for the latest in traffic every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
-With files from Greg Bowman and Cole Schisler
