The 112th Street overpass in the Delta and South Surrey region was damaged in late December due to an over-height collision. As a result, repair work began on Saturday morning and has reduced Highway 99 to one lane of traffic in each direction, lasting until at least 5 p.m. on Sunday. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates delays in the area and encourages drivers to seek alternative routes if possible. Additionally, overnight lane closures are expected between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. from April 22 to May 31.
Following the collision, a spokesperson for the ministry described the incident as “frustrating”, noting that an initial assessment revealed “significant” damage to the overpass. The collision led to the suspension of the freight company that the truck involved was working for. The Transportation Minister, Rob Fleming, stated that the suspension was a result of the company’s repeated failure to operate safely within the province, with this incident marking its sixth infrastructure crash in two years. Chohan Freight Forwarders, which has been involved in nearly a third of collisions involving overpasses in recent years, confirmed that one of its trucks was responsible for the crash. The company noted that the driver, who was an “owner-operator”, failed to adhere to permit and route instructions for his oversized load, resulting in his termination.
Drivers are reminded to follow signage and instructions from traffic control personnel, as well as to reduce speed while repair work is being carried out on the overpass. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is working to complete the repairs efficiently to minimize disruptions to traffic flow in the area. It is essential for drivers to exercise caution and patience while navigating through the construction zone. The repairs are expected to address the damages caused by the collision and ensure the safety and reliability of the overpass for all motorists using Highway 99.
The ongoing repair work on the 112th Street overpass serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to height restrictions and permit requirements when transporting oversized loads. Drivers must ensure that they have the necessary permits and follow designated routes to prevent accidents and damage to overpasses and infrastructure. The consequences of disregarding these regulations can lead to significant disruptions and financial penalties, as seen in the case of the freight company involved in the collision. It is crucial for all drivers to prioritize safety and compliance with transportation regulations to avoid such incidents in the future.
The collaboration between the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, traffic control personnel, and construction crews underscores the coordinated effort to address damages resulting from over-height collisions promptly. By implementing temporary lane closures and traffic management strategies, authorities aim to mitigate congestion and inconvenience to drivers while repairs are underway. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of transportation infrastructure in the region. Drivers are urged to cooperate with authorities and exercise caution when navigating through construction zones to ensure the successful completion of repair work on the 112th Street overpass.
In conclusion, the ongoing repair work on the 112th Street overpass highlights the importance of safe and responsible driving practices to prevent incidents like over-height collisions. By following permit requirements, observing signage, and reducing speed in construction zones, drivers can contribute to the safety and efficiency of roadways. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s efforts to address damages caused by the collision serve as a reminder of the need for compliance with transportation regulations to maintain the integrity of infrastructure. As repair work continues, it is essential for drivers to exercise caution and patience to ensure the timely completion of repairs and the restoration of normal traffic flow in the area.
