Police say it happened around noon in the far-right merge lane but there is no visible damage to the overpass. While traffic was slowed, police said it “should not be delayed for an extended period.”
Another day, another overpass strike.
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A commercial vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 1 struck the Gilmore overpass in Burnaby on Wednesday, according to the B.C. Highway Patrol.
Police say it happened around noon in the far-right merge lane but there is no visible damage to the overpass. While traffic was slowed, police said it “should not be delayed for an extended period.”
No penalties have been issued at this time, though that decision will be left to B.C. Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement officers.
“Road users should expect minor delays in the area until all the evidence has been gathered and the roadway is safe for travel. Please be alert and obey the direction of police and traffic control personnel at the scene,” read a statement from the BCHP.
Last year, the B.C. government said it would introduce stiff new measures to penalize commercial truck drivers who hit public infrastructure such as overpasses and bridges.
The rules would allow courts to order fines of up to $100,000 and jail time of up to 18 months for drivers, but did not apply to trucking companies or other personnel.
Commercial drivers are responsible for knowing the load size, for sticking to planned routes, and ensuring their truck load is properly secured.
The Postmedia report found that overpass strikes were largely due to inexperienced drivers, lack of training for overheight loads, lack of communication between dispatchers and drivers, firms who pressure drivers into unsafe situations, Low pay and shippers who employ cut-rate carriers.