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Probe launched after overheight truck believed to have scraped Metro Vancouver overpass

Another B.C. trucking company has had its fleet of 20 vehicles pulled off the road after an overheight load hit the Gilmore Overpass on Highway 1 in Metro Vancouver Monday. – Jan 16, 2024

Another possible overpass strike in Metro Vancouver was under investigation Tuesday.

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Around 4 p.m. Monday, a truck going east under the Gilmore Overpass on Highway 1 was carrying a helicopter fuselage wrapped in plastic.

It is thought that the top of the load came into contact with the bottom of the overpass, causing minor damage.

However, it appears the load now struck a sign attached to the overpass, causing minor damage, however there was no visible damage to the bridge.

Officials with the commercial vehicle safety and enforcement team caught up with the truck and pulled it over just past the Brunette Overpass in Coquitlam.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the driver had received an oversized permit. However, the height exceeded what was stated on the permit.

“The carrier involved is International Machine Transport Inc., which has been issued an immediate suspension across its 20-vehicle fleet until the investigation is complete,” the ministry said in a statement.

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Strikes on highway infrastructure have been a hot topic recently, with more than 30 in the last two years.

The province introduced higher fines in December but it is unclear if that is a deterrent.

“The whole problem is the lack of training,” said Gagan Singh with the United Truckers Association.

“The penalties are just imposed on truckers, not on shippers or not on the folks who are loading this bigger stuff onto the trucks.”

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The incident in Coquitlam comes a week after a truck with an overheight load scraped the top of the Massey Tunnel.

The Ministry of Transportation said it has identified the company responsible, suspending its entire fleet until its investigation is complete.

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