The northbound right lane of Highway 99 has finally reopened after significant disruptions caused by both a serious crash and a landslide incident near Squamish over the weekend. According to DriveBC, the aftermath of these events has been troubling for motorists but has also seen the concerted efforts of emergency services and road crews.
The ordeal began on the evening of December 14, 2023, when the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) was deployed to investigate a serious rollover crash involving a single vehicle at Chance Creek Forest Service Road. The RCMP reported the vehicle's driver lost control and went off the road, resulting in the vehicle ending up partially submerged. Unfortunately, the condition of the lone driver has not been made public, adding to the community's concern over the incident.
The lane remained blocked for more than seven hours as ICARS conducted its detailed investigation. Authorities prioritized reconstructing the accident scenario to gather evidence for their analysis. This not only impacted traffic flow on Highway 99 but added to the already chaotic scene due to another significant event earlier—a landslide near Lions Bay, which had also closed the highway.
While the crash was serious, the weather conditions leading to these incidents were also of concern. Environment Canada had issued snowfall warnings for the Sea to Sky Highway, predicting rapid snow accumulation and hazardous driving conditions. Reported snowfall ranged from 15 to 20 centimeters, and drivers were urged to remain cautious. "Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations," warned Environment Canada. "Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced, slow down, watch for tail lights, and be prepared to stop."
The snowfall warning was lifted soon after the incidents occurred, offering some relief to commuters. On December 17, 2023, DriveBC announced the reopening of Highway 99, citing the hard work of crews who had been clearing debris from the landslide, which had blocked travel between Lions Bay Avenue and Brunswick Beach Road. Thanks to their overnight efforts, both lanes of the highway were again accessible to travelers.
Despite the reopening, authorities remain vigilant about road conditions as winter weather continues to pose challenges to safety. Motorists are reminded to adjust to winter driving behavior, use winter tires, and be prepared for possible complications on the roads.
This weekend's events serve as reminders of the unpredictability of winter weather and the importance of road safety. The community breathes a sigh of relief as Highway 99 is fully operational again, but the road to normalcy includes the truth about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of the driver involved—a topic of local concern. All eyes are now also on the weather forecasts for any upcoming changes, as the region remains susceptible to the kind of conditions seen over the last few days.
Through all of this, the cooperation between highway management systems, police, and the public showcases the resilience and readiness of the community to face such unforeseen challenges together.