Fraser Valley driver wants any repairs covered as Highway 1 construction gives car a beating

A Fraser Valley driver is speaking out about the condition of Highway 1 through Langley and Abbotsford, saying her vehicle is taking a beating.

Roxy Graff is worried about how long roadwork will continue through the area and what the ensuing potholes are doing to her car.

“The stretch between 264th and Mt. Lehman is the worst, but from 232nd onward it’s really bad, too,” Graff told 1130 NewsRadio.

“My front end just slams … and I’m thinking, what’s it going to do to my front end here after three years of running over stuff like that,” she explained.

Graff describes deep potholes and other bumps that batter and rattle her vehicle as she travels through the ongoing Fraser Valley Highway Widening Program.

“It’s horrible. Sometimes you hit stretches where you just have to hang on, and then I try to stay in the fast lane simply because the inside lane is worse. Then, when you hit one, it just slams your front end, loosening everything. I can’t imagine what it’s doing to my idler arm, my pitman arm, my steering, my wheel alignment, everything gets knocked out.”

Graff believes drivers should not be liable for paying any repair costs caused by potholes or a rough road.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia points out that vehicle damage caused by a pothole can be covered by optional collision coverage in B.C., minus the deductible, but that can affect your premium.

A road safety advocate behind DriveSmartBC.ca says you could also try to make a claim against the province.

“The [Ministry of Transportation and Transit] provides the following advice to consider before making a claim,” said Tim Schewe in a post. “In order for a claim to be payable by the Province, there must be proof that there was negligence on the part of the ministry and/or highways contractor. If there was no negligence, the claim is not payable.”

Schewe says you would have to prove negligence in failing to repair the potholes to be successful in a claim for damages.

“You would be wise to obtain legal advice before starting an action,” he explained.

The ministry says safety is a priority during the Highway 1 widening project and that they actively monitor conditions to ensure issues are addressed.

“As our contractors become aware of potholes and other road issues, they are addressed promptly. Accumulated debris is cleared regularly to minimize wear and maintain road conditions,” said a ministry spokesperson.

“The Ministry thanks all travellers for their continued patience and cooperation as construction progresses. Drivers who notice potholes or other roadway concerns are encouraged to report them directly to the ministry’s contractor.”

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