The Delta Police Department and the City of Delta acknowledge the recent series of over-height semi-truck collisions with highway overpasses that have occurred in our community. These incidents have not only resulted in significant traffic disruptions and infrastructure damage but have also underscored the need for coordinated response efforts to manage traffic impacts during repair, and implement long-term solutions to prevent future collisions involving the overpasses.
First and foremost, the safety of our residents and commuters is our top priority. We understand the frustration, inconvenience, and expense, caused by these collisions and want to assure the public that the city and the police are actively working in collaboration with the province to address both the immediate challenges and the broader issues contributing to these incidents.
Immediate Measures:
Traffic Management: Our department is working closely with traffic management authorities to minimize disruptions during the assessment and repair processes. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding during this time and encourage everyone to stay informed about alternative routes and any temporary road closures.
@DriveBC, the Ministry of Transport’s social media account on ‘X’ will provide updates on traffic management, while the City of Delta and the Delta Police Department will share these updates when they are available.
Long-Term Solutions:
Collaborative Engineering Assessment: The Ministry of Transportation will be conducting an engineering assessment. In conjunction with this assessment, the City of Delta and the Delta Police Department submit this assessment include the possibility of implementing physical deterrents, such as height detection systems and improved signage, to prevent over-height vehicle collisions for the 112th Street overpass, as well as other infrastructure that has been struck in the past, or are of concern for future collisions.
Campaigning for Increased Penalties for Offenders: The DPD and the City of Delta will advocate for increased penalties for offenders responsible for these collisions and the long-term impacts from these collisions. We will actively work with our partners to amend legislation to have penalties increased for collisions involving at-fault over-height vehicles. Chief Dubord, Chair of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) Traffic Safety Committee, will table a motion regarding the overpass strike collisions, requesting increased penalties for consideration by the BCACP.
Engaging Partners: Local businesses, transportation companies, and industry partners will be engaged to foster a collaborative approach to address the root causes of these incidents. By working together, we aim to implement sustainable solutions that benefit the entire community.
Mayor Harvie has announced that he will be communicating with Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming to request a formal plan to upgrade the aging overpasses along our vital trade routes to modern heights and standards.
We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these challenges. The safety and well-being of our residents remain at the forefront of our efforts, and we are committed to implementing effective, long-term solutions to prevent future over-height semi-truck collisions.