Drivers were shocked by large “snow bombs” falling from the cables of the Port Mann Bridge Saturday, but bridge operators insist there is nothing to worry about.
As snow fell across Metro Vancouver, drivers were urged to use caution on the slippery roads.
However, drivers heading across the Port Mann Bridge weren’t expecting to encounter problems reminiscent of 2012, when ice bombs fell from the bridge cables, damaging hundreds of vehicles.
Kelly Reid said she was driving across the bridge when three large snow bombs, about four inches wide, hit her windshield.
Richard Watt said his wife was travelling over the bridge when the snow bombs fell.
“Traffic was slowing down because of snow bombs, but no ice,” he said. “Our car was hit but is ok.”
Transportation Investment Corporation spokesperson Greg Johnson said crews are on the bridge assessing the situation.
“The bridge cables are designed to shed small, light amounts of snow. It’s the same as drivers would expect under powerlines or signage overtop a roadway. Crews are on the bridge, watching conditions closely. The cable collars are only activated if snow starts to build up. Crews have been monitoring conditions and are now starting to use the cable collars as required,” he said.
Reid said the snow balls were cleared by her windshield wipers. There have been no reports of any vehicles have been damaged by the snow falling.
In December 2012, weeks after the $3-billion bridge opened, a snowstorm caused sheets of ice to fall onto cars below – smashing windshields, ripping side mirrors and injuring at least one person. At least 350 vehicles were damaged in total, according to ICBC.
ICBC ended up paying out $400,000 worth of glass claims after vehicles were struck by the falling ice bombs.
To fix the problem, cable collars were installed on the bridge to slide up and down, removing snow and ice accumulation.
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