The new billion-dollar Port Mann Bridge was closed in both directions for a few hours Wednesday afternoon due to falling ice and snow. At about 6 p.m. all lanes of the bridge opened again to traffic.
There were reports two people have been injured with non-life-threatening injuries, and approximately five vehicles have been hit.
“The closure was necessary because falling ice from the bridge injured a motorist who required ambulance attendance, and damaged vehicles,” said Sergeant Peter Thiessen, spokesperson for LMD Traffic Services in a release. “The bridge was closed for safety reasons.”
An engineer spent time assessing the bridge, and only allowed it to be reopened after the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, in consultation with the RCMP, determined it was safe.
Global News received several tweets from drivers saying that “ice bombs” have been falling and causing serious damage to their vehicles.
Catherine was a passenger in her work vehicle driving across the Port Mann Bridge when a chuck of ice hit the back of the vehicle. “Suddenly there was a big smash,” she said. “I think it’s just dented on the roof. It was crazy.”
She said cars were stopped everywhere on the bridge as well.
Other motorists have had their windshields smashed, hoods dented and mirrors damaged.
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