VANCOUVER — The new multi-billion dollar Port Mann Bridge appears to have failed its first storm test.
The bridge — which just opened this month — has been closed while engineers assess its safety.
The busy span, used by thousands of commuters daily, was closed Wednesday afternoon when chunks of ice that had formed on top of the bridge began falling onto vehicles below.
Mike Proudfoot, chief executive officer of B.C.’s Transportation Investment Corporation, said officials closed the bridge at 2 p.m. after as many as seven vehicles were damaged.
One injured motorist needed an ambulance, said RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen.
High winds and a thick blanket of snow covered much of Metro Vancouver after it blew in during the morning commute, causing ferry cancellations, school closures and traffic headaches.
The second storm in as many days also knocked out power for about 18,000 customers in Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
Around the region there were also school closures, flight cancellations and dangerous driving conditions.
Simon Fraser University and all Douglas College campuses were closed. The British Columbia Institute of Technology and the University of B.C. remained open, but students struggled to get to classes on time as bus drivers pulled over and waited for the roads to be cleared of snow.
All public schools were open, except University Highlands elementary school at SFU. Many private elementary and secondary schools were closed.
Icy, snowy weather conditions caused some flight delays and cancellations at Vancouver International Airport.
— With a file from the Vancouver Sun
