Drivers are being advised to plan for winter conditions this weekend.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has issued a traffic advisory to alert drivers of the incoming weather across the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound and Vancouver Island areas.
“Drivers … are urged to avoid travel where possible as significant snow and sub-zero temperatures are forecast to hit the South Coast this weekend,” the advisory reads.
A special weather statement has been issued for the South Coast by Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada.
“Snow accumulation is expected, initially in higher elevations of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, starting the evening of Thursday, Jan. 30 and into Friday, Jan. 31,” the advisory reads.
“The cold-weather system will persist, with snow and freezing rain forecast at sea level across the South Coast over the weekend and early into next week.”
According to Environment Canada, there is potential for “significant snowfall” upwards of five to 20 centimetres.
There is also a chance of “high-intensity accumulation on roads at times.”
The alert also reminds drivers to use caution and only drive if their vehicles are winter ready.
“Winter tires are required to travel through all high-elevation areas, such as the Sea to Sky and Malahat,” reads the advisory.
“People who choose to travel should prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with extra supplies, including food, water and blankets.”
Maintenance contractors are prepared for the conditions and anti-icing brine is being applied across roads and bridges.
For those travelling to Vancouver, the alert reads that “high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the Port Mann Bridge will be closed to support winter operations as crews use the cable collar systems to keep traffic safely moving.”
“Lane closures at the Alex Fraser Bridge can also be expected to support winter operations as crews actively manage cable-collar systems.”
For those headed to Vancouver Island, maintenance crews are “proactively applying anti-icing brine and are closely monitoring conditions.”
“The ministry will be working closely with its contractors to ensure plows and tow trucks are deployed quickly during snowy conditions,” reads the alert.
When driving, always remember to leave space for highway maintenance crews and to move over safely when a vehicle with an amber light approaches.
“Drivers whose vehicles are not winter-ready must consider alternative modes of travel as significant snowfall is expected.”
For up-to-date information about road conditions, travellers should continue to monitor the forecast and visit the
