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Spun-out vehicles, stuck buses and semis as Lower Mainland snow blankets roads

The conditions south of the Fraser River, including Delta, Surrey and Langley, have also proven challenging, with many drivers slipping or getting stuck. But the plows were out in full force, and the bridges were not as bad as commuters have seen in past storms. Janet Brown reports – Jan 17, 2024

Drivers experienced treacherous conditions on the roads on Wednesday, as heavy snow blanketed the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

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While many drivers heeded warnings and stayed home, not everyone could, creating a dicey morning commute that saw dozens of accidents and road closures occur.

In Abbotsford, a crash at the intersection of Harris and Bates roads was blocking traffic in both directions, with emergency crews on scene as of 4 p.m.

As of 4:30 p.m., however, all Whatcom Road and No. 3 Road offramps in Abbotsford had reopened to traffic, as had the westbound Sumas Way exit. The Lockman Road exits had reopened as well.

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The right lanes remained closed in both directions for winter maintenance on the Alex Fraser Bridge, but the Lions Gate Bridge was cleared up after a stalled van incident.

Highway 97 south of Falkland had reopened to single-lane alternating traffic after an accident.

A westbound vehicle incident on the Pattullo Bridge had also been cleared, but drivers continue to be warned to expect delays amid the heavy snowfall.

In New Westminster, cars were sliding on 8th Street between Carnarvon and Royal Avenue on Wednesday morning.

Langley RCMP said multiple spun out vehicles in the area of 200th Street and 68th Avenue as well. That scene was cleared on Wednesday afternoon.

Commercial vehicles have been asked to use chains in that area and other parts of the province, including Kootenay Bay.

In West Vancouver on Taylor Way, northbound stalled vehicles blocked the left lane on Wednesday morning.

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Crews were also called to 41st Avenue and Main Street in Vancouver to try to dig out transit buses, which had become stuck.

On the Highway 91 Connector in Delta, multiple vehicles spun-out at one point.

Travel advisories were in effect for all major highways and mountain passes. Anyone who must venture outside Wednesday is still asked to prepare for changing conditions, allow for extra time, and give other drivers lots of space.

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