Truck Carrying Prefabricated Home Hits Overpass In Metro Vancouver

A commercial truck struck the Blundell Road overpass on Highway 99 in Metro Vancouver on March 19, 2025, causing significant traffic disruptions but no visible damage to the structure. The truck, which was carrying a prefabricated home, hit the overpass around 9:45 a.m., resulting in major delays that lasted for several hours before being cleared ahead of the evening commute.

According to the British Columbia Highway Patrol, the incident occurred when the tractor-trailer, traveling southbound, managed to hit the overpass while the pilot vehicle following behind sustained damage to its windshield. Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the highway patrol reported that lumber fell from the trailer, causing the windshield of the pilot vehicle to crack, although fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

The driver of the truck remained on the scene after the collision and both the driver and the company involved will undergo investigations by the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement agency along with highway patrol officials. The B.C. Highway Patrol confirmed that while the overpass itself showed no indications of damage, inspectors will take a closer look to ensure its continued safety.

This latest incident raises concerns, as it marks at least the seventh overpass hit on B.C. highways this year alone. The government has noted that there have been at least 66 such incidents since December 2021, resulting in fines for many truck operators involved in similar crashes.

The increase in these overpass strikes has led authorities to implement more stringent regulations. For example, last year, the operating license of a trucking company was suspended following repeated violations in overpass strikes. Cpl. McLaughlin indicated that enhanced measures may be necessary to address the frequency of these incidents, which have turned into a troubling trend.

Traffic was heavily impacted in the area, causing frustrations among commuters. Those traveling southbound on Highway 99 were advised to check traffic updates on DriveBC, which provided detours and information on when the roadway would be clear.

McLaughlin stated, “Though the overpass did not sustain any visible damage, our teams will be inspecting the infrastructure to ensure everything is safe for the public.” This statement reflects the increased focus on public safety in light of the spate of recent incidents.

The B.C. Highway Patrol is actively investigating the situation, which is part of an ongoing effort to reduce the number of overpass collisions involving commercial vehicles. With the uptick in such events, officials are seeking long-term solutions to address not only the immediate safety concerns but also the underlying issues contributing to these accidents.

A recent report highlighting prior overpass strikes noted the importance of thorough inspections and the potential for stricter enforcement of regulations to improve safety on the highways.

As this investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be put in place to prevent future incidents of this nature and how enforcement efforts will change in response to the concerning patterns now observed.

Ultimately, public safety is paramount, and the authorities are prioritizing measures that can prevent accidents like the one that occurred on March 19. Commuters are urged to remain vigilant and informed about roadway conditions as the investigation continues.