Commuters found work was a little more difficult to get to this morning.
The Queensborough Bridge is currently closed in both directions and isn’t expected to open up again before noon.
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AVOID #QueensboroughBridge Wed AM! Closed due to a fire, now power outage for 8-10hrs, according to @NWPDtraffic. https://t.co/4rBRXWVi2Y pic.twitter.com/mRm60hn9Ag
— Stephanie Ip (@stephanie_ip) October 25, 2017
An overnight electrical fire caused the power to go out in an entire section of New Westminster, and in turn caused the bridge to lose power.
Very odd seeing Queensborough Bridge w/no cars on it this time of day (due to fire/power outage). Like scene out of a post apocalyptic film. pic.twitter.com/67qnVBEHCl
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 25, 2017
Commuters being turned away at both ends of the #QueensboroughBridge. Hearing it may not be until noon for reopening @NWPDtraffic pic.twitter.com/jc7nhKn6dS
— Gian-Paolo Mendoza (@gpsmendoza) October 25, 2017
Reportedly, the fire occurred around 2.30 am, when an high voltage cable failed on the bridge and caused the fire. Officers noted the blaze on a routine inspection, when they saw smoke billowing out from underneath the bridge that led them to the fire below.
Good morning. Customer Information is now open. Queensborough bridge is closed. Please see https://t.co/DegzWbaA7t for detour info. ^RR
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) October 25, 2017
All schools in the Queensborough area have been closed, and Translink has rerouted the 410 bus route over the Knight Street Bridge.
#BCHwy91A The #QueensboroughBridge is CLOSED in both directions due to a police incident. Assessment in progress.https://t.co/1urMCjSyiA
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) October 25, 2017
Crews are working steadily at the scene but it may be days before power is restored to the area.
Commuters hoping to use the bridge should keep in mind that although the bridge may open around noon, officials warn it may take longer.
Earlier this month a 19 vehicle crash also caused morning chaos on the recently toll free Port Mann Bridge, which has seen an increase of 30,000 crossings per day since the tolls were removed.
