Hopefully, the commute for Delta drivers won’t be a repeat of the Nov. 29 traffic chaos experienced.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure this afternoon said that Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Lower Mainland, with snowfall accumulations of 10-to-15 centimetres expected to begin late afternoon Monday until the afternoon of Tuesday.
Drivers are advised to stay off the road unless their vehicle is properly equipped with winter tires.
The province’s maintenance contractors are out in full force and are ready to manage any accumulations of snow, said a news release.
"With colder temperatures this week, the ministry's maintenance contractors are increasing the use of sand to provide better traction, the government says, adding that it is important for drivers to keep their distance as sand is applied and to not pass winter maintenance equipment. Drivers who must travel should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead," said the news release
Mainroad Lower Mainland Contracting also issued a news release reiterating its crews continue to work around the clock to clean-up after the last snow event and are ready to respond to tonight’s (Monday) forecasted event.
Mainroad says it will use winter abrasives including salt, sand, and brine, as appropriate for temperatures and conditions.
"The snow and ice program has been deployed for the Port Mann Bridge and Alex Fraser Bridge, but intermittent lane closures will be in effect, subject to weather conditions," said Mainroad. "Those closures at the Alex Fraser Bridge include northbound and southbound rolling lane closures, while a full closure of slow lane possible."
Meanwhile, at the Port Mann Bridge, an eastbound and westbound HOV lane closure is in effect.
The City of Delta on social media notes that its entire fleet had worked overnight (Sunday to Monday morning) to ensure priority one routes have been salted and cleared. The city also continues to clear priority two routes, while the next step would be plowing and salting local neighbourhood roads.
Access to all city facilities have been plowed, including parking lots and industrial parks, but due to the snowfall and cold temperatures, all city sports fields are closed, said the city.
