The province is getting even tougher on commercial truck drivers involved in infrastructure crashes.
On Tuesday, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming said proposed changes to the Commercial Transport Act will enable the courts to impose fines for as much as $100,000, as well as imprisonment up to 18 months upon conviction for violations.
“With these new penalties, we are taking the strongest action possible to keep our roads safe and to keep people, goods and services moving,” said Fleming. “This also sends a message to commercial truck drivers that they are responsible for the safe transportation of goods and services on our roads, and a lax attitude toward safety will not be tolerated.”
The legislative changes are in response to 35 crashes that have occurred since late 2021 by over-height commercial vehicles.
Two of those crashes occurred in Delta.
Repairs to one of those overpass crashes - the Hwy. 17A overpass across Hwy. 99 will be completed soon with the overpass fully opened by the end of the month.
“The repairs to the crossing have been extensive, involving demolition and girder installation,” the ministry said. Repairs to the damaged sections of the overpass have been completed, with crews and equipment remaining on site to complete additional work on the bridge pier and deck structure.
Cost of the repairs will ring in at about $1.7 million.
