Dump truck hits Hwy 1 overpass in Abbotsford, B.C., causing traffic delays

Commuters facedsignificant delays Monday morning after a dumptruck hit the No. 3 Road overpass along the Trans-Canada Highway in Abbotsford, B.C.

The Abbotsford Police Department says the driver of the truck was not injured, but is "extremely shook up."

Sgt. Paul Walker says the truck was headingeastbound along Highway 1 when itsfront driver side tire blew and the driver lost control, sendingthe vehicle into the median where it hit the overpass. The truck then burst into flames, Walker said.

The crash was reported on DriveBC shortly after 5:30 a.m. PT.

Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service Assistant Fire Chief Tom Dodd said crews extinguished the flames, but remained on scene to inspect the damage.

The overpass was closed while an assessment was completed, causing significant traffic delays. As of 12:55 p.m. PT Monday, the highway was reopened toall lanes, but DriveBC said congestion is likely and delays may ensue. According to the Transport Ministry, there was no structural damage to the overpass.

Mainroad Contracting, which handles road maintenance in the Lower Mainland, said in a statement that the damaged vehicle and cargo were being removed from the site earlier on Monday and "all spilled fluids" were being recovered and removed.

Truckers have been raising safety concerns after a string of collisions in the region in the past.

Last year, the Ministry of Transportation said it would be stepping up enforcement, particularly around the height of vehicles.

"Commercial vehicle operators are responsible for ensuring their loads are meeting the terms and conditions of the permit they have been issued," a spokesperson said Monday.

"The ministry is working with the trucking industry on new actions that can be taken, including higher fines, steeper penalties, longer suspensionsand more driver education, to stop these collisions from happening."