Highway 99 in south Surrey faced significant disruptions on January 25, 2024, as a crash resulted in a power line falling over the major route, causing closures and traffic diversions. Here’s what happened:
The Incident:
Around 10 a.m., a car collided with a power pole on the King George Boulevard on-ramp to Highway 99. The impact caused the power lines to come down, spanning across all four lanes of the highway. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the accident.
Response and Closure:
Emergency crews and BC Hydro responded swiftly to the scene. BC Hydro reported that approximately 2,700 customers experienced power outages due to the incident. The utility provider’s crews arrived promptly to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the area.
The Surrey RCMP, in coordination with BC Hydro, closed Highway 99 in both directions to facilitate repairs and restore safety to the area. Traffic was redirected onto King George Boulevard during the closure.
Reopening:
After several hours of closure, Highway 99 reopened around 12:30 p.m., easing traffic congestion and allowing commuters to resume their journeys. However, the King George Boulevard on-ramp remained closed for power pole repairs.
Conclusion:
The incident serves as a reminder of the unforeseen challenges that can disrupt our daily routines. Despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, the swift response from emergency services and utility providers ensured that the situation was managed efficiently.
Stay tuned to local news sources and traffic updates for the latest information on road conditions and closures in your area. Drive safely!