The Trans-Canada Highway could be closed until 10 PM Thursday night following a collision between a fuel truck and a passenger van just before Finlayson Arm Road.
UPDATE – #BCHwy1 is CLOSED in #Goldstream due to a vehicle incident. Detour via Finlayson Arm Road and Millstream. Estimated to open at 8 PM. Next Update 1 PMhttps://t.co/xYaIGzzvQQ
— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI) May 24, 2018
UPDATE: The Malahat is now expected to open sometime between midnight and 2 a.m.
12:40 a.m. UPDATE: The Malahat has just reopened in both directions. Expect delays from congestion.
The crash happened just before 11 a.m in Goldstream Provincial Park near Finlayson Arm Road.
The driver and passenger were both removed from the vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the fuel truck is believed to have only minor injuries.
First responders including HAZMAT crews have determined that the overturned fuel truck was leaking furnace oil, which has now been contained.
Accident on Highway #1 (Goldstream Park) has closed highway traffic. NB traffic is being routed to West Shore Parkway. SB traffic is being routed to Finlayson Arm Rd. Be patient and curtious to others. You're all stuck together. Being angry isn't going to make it go faster.
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) May 24, 2018
Police said they have closed Highway 1 near Goldstream Park in both directions as a precaution. Finlayson Arm Road will remain open for emergency vehicles and local residents only.
Police estimate 6 hours before any potential reopening of Highway 1.
“The cause of the collision is under investigation. The fuel spill is a risk for motorists and first responders, as well as a potential environmental hazard. We ask for patience from drivers who are affected by any delays as emergency crews deal with the closure of Highway 1,” says Cpl. Chris Dovell of the West Shore RCMP.
A detour is available via Finlayson Arm Road and Millstream for both directions. However, Victoria Buzz fans tell us that route has already bottlenecked.
According to BC Ferries, there is a three sailing wait in both directions for the Mill Bay/Brentwood ferry and suggest motorist avoid
Central Saanich police posted a tweet stating the Brentwood Bay ferry is now turning customoers away.
Make sure to check Drive BC for the latest traffic updates.
#CRDHazmat Truck & @CSaanichFire Techs are en route to assist. #InItTogether #besafe #yyjtraffic https://t.co/igSNv3Y9Hp
— Central Saanich Fire (@CSaanichFire) May 24, 2018
Update at 12:42pm Emerg crews are assessing the environmental impact of the fuel spill. @WestshoreRCMP traffic services on scene investigating the cause of the collision. Highway #1 is closed until further notice. If you don't have to travel, don't. Updates to follow. #yyj https://t.co/xfcXr7chKd
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) May 24, 2018