BC Hydro update #2: Fraser River Transmission Infrastructure
BC Hydro can confirm the following as of 6 a.m. PST:
Safety and power reliability remain our top priorities as we manage transmission towers and power lines that have been affected by above average water flows in the Fraser River near the Port Mann bridge.
All but a handful of customers in the Surrey area who were affected Monday night by the destabilized transmission infrastructure have been restored with power. There have been no new power outages as a result of the downed lines.
Power lines that are down remain de-energized and do not pose a safety risk and there have been no injuries on site.
BC Hydro crews have worked through the night to remove downed power lines impacting local rail and road traffic.
Highway 1 remains closed to allow for the removal of lines. The CN rail yard is mostly back to regular operations at this time.
The RCMP will advise when the roadways are open for travel and are targeting a 9 a.m. time for the highways to be fully open. Currently, there are detours in place for road traffic.
Police and related authorities are onsite to ensure orderly traffic movement and safety.
As a precautionary measure we are removing de-energized lines that cross the TransCanada highway. Roads will remain closed to ensure safety until this work is complete.
We will issue a further update once new information is available. We thank customers and all those impacted for their patience and cooperation as we work to ensure safety and power reliability.
Background:
BC Hydro has been monitoring and working actively over the past weekend to address limited transmission line instability in one area along the Fraser River near the Port Mann Bridge that is due to high water levels. The affected transmission lines had been stabilized over the weekend.
Monday evening the situation deteriorated as a result of increased and unexpected erosion along the river due to unexpectedly high water flow.
A 230 kv transmission tower fell at about 9 pm and approximately 25,000 Surrey area customers were without power.
There were no safety issues as a result of the fallen transmission tower as the attached power lines were de-energized.
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Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
p. 604.928.6468