A new crash hampered drivers headed for the Malahat Drive Monday evening after a day of snow frustration.
According to DriveBC the highway re-opened just before 7 p.m. after a dumping of snow caused a semi to spin out near the south end of Shawnigan Lake Road. It remained there for several hours as crews from Emcon Services Inc. tried to maintain the snowy section of Highway 1 and remove the vehicle.
The section of Highway 1 was closed for some time for “vehicle removal” according to DriveBC, reopening shortly before 7 p.m., when a second crash happened in the Langford segment of Highway 1 near Leigh Road.
A crash on Highway 1 near Leigh Road is impacting northbound traffic. #yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/RxTNJhswxE
— Goldstream News Gazette (@GoldstreamNews) December 22, 2020
Snow started Monday morning and continued through the day, with up to 25 centimetres expected to fall in higher elevations.
Heavy precipitation came from a pacific low moving eastward south of Vancouver Island.
The snow is expected to end this evening as the system moves east.
READ ALSO: Victoria snowfall breaks 49-year-old record; wind warnings in effect
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reminding drivers that yellow flashing lights mean the plow is in operation and drivers should not pass on the right.
Winter tires or chains are required on portions of the Malahat and Sooke Road. For passenger vehicles, all-season, all-weather and winter tires meet the regulations, but tires must have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres and display the mountain/snowflake logo or an M+S symbol. Logos with three-peaked mountain symbols are recommended for cold weather driving because they have better traction on snow and ice.
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Snow falling on Highway 1’s Monday morning at the Malahat Summit. (DriveBC)
Snow falling on Highway 1’s Monday afternoon at the Malahat Summit. (DriveBC)
Highway 1 at South Shawnigan Lake Road, looking south on Dec. 21 around 5p.m. (DriveBC)
Hwy 1 at South Shawnigan Lake Road, looking north on Dec. 21 shortly before 4 p.m.. (DriveBC)
Crews are working to plow, salt and sand portions of the Malahat after snowfall of up to 25 centimetres Monday, according to Environment Canada. (Contributed)
Hwy 1 at South Shawnigan Lake Road, looking north. (DriveBC)
Snow falling on Highway 1 Monday afternoon at the Malahat Summit. (DriveBC)
Crews are working to plow, salt and sand portions of the Malahat after snowfall of up to 25 centimetres Monday, according to Environment Canada. (Contributed)
A crash backs up traffic on Highway 1 near Leigh Road on Dec. 21, after a day of snowfall impeded traffic. (Submitted photo)
