Truck strikes Blundell Road overpass along Highway 99 in Richmond
Posted March 19, 2025 10:15 am.
Last Updated March 20, 2025 1:23 pm.
Drivers should expect delays if they’re heading south along Highway 99 through Richmond on Wednesday.
The BC Highway Patrol confirms a tractor-trailer carrying a load of lumber struck the Blundell Road overpass while heading south around 9:45 a.m.
1130 NewsRadio received multiple calls about the incident, with callers saying a lot of debris had been left along the roadway.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!A traffic camera in the area of Steveston Highway looking north shows the truck pulled over onto the shoulder just before the Massey Tunnel.
“A pilot vehicle that was following the tractor-trailer was damaged when the over-height load of lumber fell off the trailer and hit the pilot vehicle’s windshield,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “The tractor-trailer stopped at the scene. The driver and the company involved will be investigated.”
McLaughlin adds that no injuries have been reported, and there is no visible damage to the overpass. However, “inspectors will be taking a closer look at the overpass to ensure that it is safe.”
The BCHP says it is working with the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) to investigate the incident.
In an update Wednesday afternoon, BCHP corrected its statement that the truck was towing lumber. In fact, the load was a prefabricated home.
B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth says there’s no excuse for the rate of overpass strikes.
“It has never been easier to follow a route to guide a load safely through B.C.’s highway system and avoid the potential for impact with infrastructure. The vast majority of truckers operate safely and responsibly, but clearly the message is still not getting through to a small number of drivers and companies,” said Farnworth in a statement to CityNews.
He says the province has brought in “tough enforcement measures” to deter collisions, including hefty, fleet-wide fines, lengthy suspensions, and the ability to recommend increased penalties through the courts.
“Now, fines can be imposed up to $100,000 through the courts or imprisonment of up to 18 months – or both,” Farnworth explained.
The minister says B.C. is working with the federal government to make sure out-of-province carriers are also held accountable.
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