What incidents occurred on both bridges? Though ice accumulation is observed yearly in the winter, this time, the weather conditions are more severe than in previous years. Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people. Access to high-speed internet available in Ruth Lake, Deka Lake in time for holidays, Streamlined registry services make B.C. government is partnering with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust on a new project that will support local food producers to improve soil health and mitigate the effects of climate change in the Fraser River estuary. Both the Port Mann Bridge and the Alex Fraser Bridge have been closed due to concerns about ice bombs dropping onto vehicles on the busy crossings. Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Provinces highest honour. Freezing rain has caused ice to accumulate on the bridge cables. The Alex Fraser Bridge is closed due to the risk of ice falling from cables onto vehicles. Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud. Lets first check the risk involved in falling ice, specifically from these two bridges. to carry out our work on these lands. We have transitioned this morning into freezing rain, and our concern right now is there is traces of ice accumulating on the cable stays, the cable on the bridges themselves, said Ashok Bhatti, the ministrys executive director for B.C.s South Coast. Please read our Commenting Policy first. globalnews.ca. This full bridge closure is necessary to protect travellers due to snow buildup on the cables. Access to high-speed internet available in Ruth Lake, Deka Lake in time for holidays, Streamlined registry services make B.C. With the Lower Mainland hit by another winter wallop Friday (Dec. 23) , both the Alex Fraser and Port Mann Bridges have been closed to all traffic. making changes to support good trades jobs, tackle labour shortages, ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years, More people can train to become cyber systems security specialists, The Province helps people with sight loss find jobs, Province supports inclusive, diverse arts sector with $2.7 million, Surrey Langley SkyTrain takes another step, Public feedback welcome on B.C.s first coastal marine strategy, Lanes closed overnight on Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. However, with warming temperatures and windy conditions, snow and ice can shed onto the travel lanes. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he welcomes the work of a House committee planning to look into the federal government's contracts with the consulting firm McKinsey and Company, 'to make sure that, indeed, Canadians are getting proper value for money.'. Nearly 7,800 hectares of ranch lands, along with grazing licences for 56,000 hectares of land, are being returned to Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (SXFN) as part of treaty negotiations with the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ). Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud. Weve gone back to the research table, weve looked, there isnt anything else out there that we can look at, he told Global News on Friday. to carry out our work on these lands. Lane closures in effect and no counterflow operations. ADVERTISEMENT A tweet from @DriveBC, the official Twitter Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people. [13], British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, "Alex Fraser Bridge No. The Alex Fraser Bridge is closed in the interest of safety, and the Port Mann Bridge could be closed if weather conditions deteriorate. First rent supplements begin for youth from care in B.C. Hwy 91 on Annacis Island at the Cliveden Ave Overpass, looking south. Homebuyers in B.C. More than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities can now access quality, reliable high-speed internet with the completion of a fibre-to-the-home network. Did you know that severe weather conditions were predicted inCanada on 21st-December-2022? Read more: Kitchener Fire said there were reports of people living under the building. On provincial highways across the Lower Mainland, maintenance contractors are proactively applying anti-icing brine and plows are mobilized to quickly deal with any accumulation of snow. A 28-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a man was killed in East Walton, N.S., earlier this week. has selected 15 British Columbians to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship for their dedication and selfless service to their communities. They dont have another solution thats thats effective, so at this point, this is the only solution of its kind.. now have better protection in the real estate market as the homebuyer protection period takes effect on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Children and youth in Richmond facing mental-health and substance-use challenges are beginning to receivenew services and supports from the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in their community. Nations, Mtis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments. Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, New permitting strategy will help build homes faster, Nurses receive support to join B.C.s health system more quickly, New regenerative agriculture project underway in Fraser River estuary, B.C. Puzzles Contests Cannabis now have better protection in the real estate market as the homebuyer protection period takes effect on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Time is running out to share your thoughts about app-based ride-hailing and food-delivery work in B.C. On Dec. 19, 2022, the government enacted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel International Student Health Fee Remission Regulation. Regional partnership reunites Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation with land, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Province partner to create Oomiiqsu Mother Centre, Nominate an exceptional citizen for B.C.s highest honour, Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service, New jobs fund will support employment, resilient economies, Minister's statement on December Labour Force Survey results, Reminder to have your say about app-based ride-hailing, food-delivery work, Farm workers who hand-harvest crops get rate increase Jan. 1, Richmond offers integrated mental-health, substance-use supports for young people, New complex-care housing services will open in Chilliwack, Province cancels student health fee for people fleeing war in Ukraine, Grants for Lower Mainland non-profits improve arts, culture, sports access, New SFU medical school moves forward to train family doctors of tomorrow, B.C. making changes to support good trades jobs, tackle labour shortages, ICBC files for no increase to basic insurance rates for two more years, More people can train to become cyber systems security specialists, The Province helps people with sight loss find jobs, Province supports inclusive, diverse arts sector with $2.7 million, Surrey Langley SkyTrain takes another step, Public feedback welcome on B.C.s first coastal marine strategy, Lanes closed overnight on Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. and is grateful 's Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said freezing rain from the Lower Mainland's latest winter storm had accumulated on the bridge cables, creating a risk of falling ice. Someone built a snowperson in the median on the Alex Fraser Bridge during the evening commute on Nov. 29, 2022. The Alex Fraser Bridge (also known as the Annacis Bridge) is a cable-stayed bridge over the Fraser River that connects Richmond and New Westminster with North Delta in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia.The bridge is named for Alex Fraser (1916 1989), a former British Columbia Minister of Transportation. The B.C. Homebuyers in B.C. Hwy 91 Connector at Nordel Way, looking west. Though ice storms are common in the winter season in Canada, this time, the Ice Bomb Cyclone is severe. [5][6] Upon opening in 1986, only four of the six available lanes were open. For up-to-date information about road conditions,visit:www.DriveBC.ca. Latest News On Alex Fraser Bridge Analysis | Texas school shooting the latest, tragic reminder of the decades-long divide America seemingly cannot bridge Tragedy can have New fund will protect thousands of renters in B.C. government boosts funding for Okanagan apple growers, New premier delivers action to expand housing supply within first days, Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible, Operators announced for pilot family connections centres. businesses easier to operate, More families in B.C. will save thousands of dollars per year as more than 1,375 child care spaces move into the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program in January. Ukraines interior minister, other top officials killed in helicopter crash near Kyiv. 3 Ways to Make Money with the Blockchain and Crypto this Coming Year. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First To help deliver more good homes for people, the Province is introducing new laws to build the homes people need, make it possible for homes that are vacant to be rentedand remove discriminatory age and rental restrictions in stratas that hurt young families. Similar to the Port Mann bridge, it is aided by a collared system of cable-stayed supported by strong pillars measuring 505 feet. government is partnering with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust on a new project that will support local food producers to improve soil health and mitigate the effects of climate change in the Fraser River estuary. A new medical school on the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Surrey campus is taking a significant step forward with the hiring of an interim dean and provincial funding to support its development. [8] The Alex Fraser needed to be closed a few times during December 2016 due to the possibility of ice bombs; this caused major traffic problems in the region. The systems were installed after hundreds of vehicles were damaged by falling ice on the Port Mann back in 2012. B.C. Children and youth in Richmond facing mental-health and substance-use challenges are beginning to receivenew services and supports from the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in their community. Children and youth in Richmond facing mental-health and substance-use challenges are beginning to receivenew services and supports from the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in their community. Forecasters predict more of the milder rainy weather that's typical for the region at this time of year will arrive Sunday and remain into next week. © 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. New Pattullo Bridge to use old snow removal system? Paul Johnson reports. It is the second largest bridge, 65 meters wide, with ten lanes and a light rail line. The cable collars were successfully deployed overnight and this morning. [4] It consists of seven lanes, three in each direction with the middle lane acting as a counterflow lane, and had a maximum speed limit of 90km per hour until July 24, 2019 when the speed limit was lowered to 70 km/h to accommodate the additional counterflow lane. NB Power worker dead, another hurt after falling from power pole in Hillsborough, Former teacher to be sentenced on child porn charges didn't show up to court, London man brings home $100,000 lotto prize, 11-year-old seriously injured in North Bay crash involving accused impaired driver, Polar vortex brings Mars-like cold to Russia, could hit Canada next: meteorologists, Vehicle hits pedestrian in downtown Sault Ste. Transportation and Infrastructure Lane closures for maintenance work on Alex Fraser Bridge Bridge joint repair work on the Alex Fraser Bridge has shifted to the north side of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, New permitting strategy will help build homes faster, Nurses receive support to join B.C.s health system more quickly, New regenerative agriculture project underway in Fraser River estuary, B.C. New fund will protect thousands of renters in B.C. This is how to protect yourself, Eligible Albertans can now apply for $600 affordability payments, Here is where 25 new Zellers stores will open in Canada this year, Lost to Boston: Nova Scotia-trained doctor says residency red tape forced her to leave, Ontario integrity commissioner and auditor general to investigate Greenbelt development, PM Trudeau welcomes study into McKinsey contracts as MPs to vote on launching probe. More families in B.C. The StrongerBC Economic Plan is delivering support for people in rural British Columbia through a new fund that will diversify local economies, promote value-added innovation in the forestry sector and create thousands of good-paying jobs for British Columbians. Snow, wind and extremely cold temperatures are in the forecast for the Lower Mainland into next The Province has released results of the independent review and public consultation of governments operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 0:49 Alex Fraser Bridge shut down as maintenance workers tackle ice bombs The wider, four-lane Patullo Bridge replacement is expected to cost nearly $1.4 billion. Temperature in Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver will drop to -25. Bridge joint repair work on the Alex Fraser Bridge has shifted to the north side of the bridge. With all lanes now open on the Highway 91 at Nordel Way interchange, the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is nearing completion, improving traffic flow and saving drivers time south of the Fraser River. Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. The Province is taking another step to tackle the housing crisis by creating a one-stop-shop approach to provincial permittingto help speed up approvals and construction to build more homes. Port Mann Bridge and Alex Fraser Bridge now open following winter weather The Ministry of Transportation put out a notice Thursday afternoon, warning the bridge could be Homebuyers in B.C. For up-to-date traffic advisories, check: www.drivebc.ca. All 25 of the Zellers revival stores would be located within existing locations of The Bay. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Bhatti told CTV News that the closure was precautionary, and that hes unaware if any falling ice has caused any damage to vehicles and/or people. The Province is taking another step to tackle the housing crisis by creating a one-stop-shop approach to provincial permittingto help speed up approvals and construction to build more homes. Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube. It was initially scheduled to open late this year, but that timeline has been delayed to 2024, due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of the project, the ministry has said. Here are the locations, Alex Fraser Bridge shut down as maintenance workers tackle ice bombs, Auger-Aliassime digs deep for major comeback at Aussie Open, Derek Chauvin looks to appeal state murder convictions in George Floyd death, Mexico bans smoking in all public places, including beaches and hotels, Drinking too much? Ice bombs have become more and more common on the Alex Fraser as well, though officials have noted they were rare for the first three decades the bridge was in use. An official review of the controversial thin blue line patches embraced by some in law enforcement has confirmed they are prohibited under Vancouver Police Department policy, but it's unclear whether officers will be reprimanded for wearing them anyway. Alex Fraser bridge is also located in British Columbia, Canada. VIDEO: Alex Fraser Bridges reopens to traffic - Surrey Now-Leader All residents, visitors urged to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary All residents, visitors urged to stay home On Dec. 19, 2022, the government enacted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel International Student Health Fee Remission Regulation. Original story continues below. More than 700 households in the Deka Lake and Ruth Lake communities can now access quality, reliable high-speed internet with the completion of a fibre-to-the-home network. After a decade, Edmontonians will be able to shop at Zellers this year. family went to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building to plead for help for their intellectually challenged daughter on Tuesday. Friday's bridge closures came after hours of traffic impacts across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley brought about by the storm, which is expected to deliver a chaotic mix of snow, freezing rain and ice pellets into Saturday. We need to be able to run maintenance on those cables right now and we have crews stationed at those bridges themselves that are looking at that very thing, said Bhatti. With the high winds, rope technicians are unable to deploy the drop system that would normally clear the cables causing the likelihood that snow or ice may shed from the cables onto the lanes. communities. Lane closures in effect and no counterflow operation. Marie, Waterloo regional police asking for $18 million budget increase for 2023, Zellers returns, Cambridge chosen as one of its 25 locations. A Yorkton, Sask. The Government of B.C. The ministry does not want to take any chances, he said. That problem was unforeseen when those bridges were built according to Ashok Bhatti, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure director for the South Coast region, and both now use a cable collar system, which drops chain collars along the length of the cables, to sheer off ice and snow. With all lanes now open on the Highway 91 at Nordel Way interchange, the Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is nearing completion, improving traffic flow and saving drivers time south of the Fraser River. The Alex Fraser Bridge is open again after snowy weather overnight forced it to close early this morning. View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr. The icy conditions can freeze the blood of human beings, resulting in dead tissues, and in the worst cases, surgery is required.Therefore, if ice falls from the cables, it will be in huge blocks. Families of children and youth with support needs can soon access supports and services through newly established pilot family connections centres in four B.C. and is grateful When completed, the replacement Patullo Bridge connecting Surrey and New Westminster will use a similar snow and ice removal system to its neighbours, Global News has learned. The Alex Fraser Bridge was closed Friday morning because of the risk to drivers from shedding snow. Government reforms to ICBC are paying off with affordable, steady rates and fiscal stability for people. Conditions can change quickly with the weather and well have to make those decisions as they come, said Bhatti. Up to 30 eligible participants will receive skills training to prepare them for jobs as cyber systems security specialists on the Lower Mainland through a new government-funded Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project.