TransLink advises customers to ‘avoid travel at this time’ as Metro Vancouver storm affects SkyTrain
Posted December 23, 2022 11:12 am.
Last Updated December 23, 2022 6:08 pm.
The poor weather around Metro Vancouver prompted TransLink to advise transit customers to avoid travel Friday.
SkyTrain services was heavily impacted by the latest storm, which brought snow overnight that turned to freezing rain.
“Due to multiple track issues, caused by ice build-up on SkyTrain’s guideway, we are seeing significant disruptions to service. We are doing everything possible to resume service as quickly as possible, but our strong advice to customers is to avoid travel at this time,” a service notice from TransLink read.
#RiderAlert Due to poor weather conditions and ice build-up affecting #SkyTrain, our strong advice to customers is to avoid travel at this time. For those who have to travel, customers should expect delays and build in extra travel time. ^LA
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) December 23, 2022
TransLink said a number of stations — including Braid, Sapperton, Scott Road, Gateway, Surrey Central, and King George — were closed Friday as a result of conditions. Service disruptions were also intermittent as deicing along tracks was done.
Service on the Millennium Line and Canada Line was also affected by winter conditions.
In a tweet, TransLink says Millennium Line service between Burquitlam Station and Lougheed Station was suspended due to “multiple switch issues, freezing on the tracks, and frozen doors” amid the latest winter storm.
It’s unclear when the issues will be resolved.
Canada Line service, meanwhile, has since resumed between Bridgeport and Brighouse.
#SkyTrain Canada Line service between Brighouse Station and Bridgeport Station has now resumed. Service is back to normal operating patterns. Expect some delays as train spacing and gaps normalize ^sp
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) December 24, 2022
The latest storm has created a mess of local roads, even shutting major bridges on Friday.
In anticipation of the third storm to hit Metro Vancouver in less than a week, the province urged people to avoid all non-essential travel.
The transit authority echoed this message, pleading with the public to avoid travelling on Friday if possible, with potential delays and cancellations cited.
