The Alex Fraser Bridge is currently closed in both directions

UPDATE – 11:26 am: One lane has now reopened in each direction on the bridge, according to Delta Police. However, assessment continues at the scene, and police said drivers should still expect delays.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Drivers planning to use the Alex Fraser Bridge today are being warned to expect “major delays” this morning, as the bridge is currently closed in both directions.

In a tweet, Delta Police said the bridge was shut down northbound due to falling ice.

They then followed up, saying the bridge had been closed in both directions.

All lanes north and south now closed Alex Fraser bridge. @deltapolice assisting RCMP and @MainroadLM

— Delta Police Traffic Unit (@DPDTraffic) January 10, 2020

In a tweet, Drive BC said an assessment is in progress, and crews are on scene.

CLOSED – #AlexFraserBridge is closed in both directions. Assessment in progress. Crews are on scene. Expect major delays, use alternate route. #NewWest #RichmondBC #DeltaBC

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) January 10, 2020

The closure comes as  Environment Canada’s snowfall warning remains in effect for the Metro Vancouver region.

“An intense Pacific frontal system is producing snow over Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley this morning,” said the weather agency in a statement.

• See also: 
  • It’s going to feel like -12°C in Vancouver next week
  • City of Vancouver prepares for snow and freezing temperatures
  • TransLink activates snow plan ahead of forecasted snowfall

The warning is in effect for:

• Metro Vancouver – central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
• Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
• Metro Vancouver – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
• Metro Vancouver – southeast including Surrey and Langley

The wet snow began falling Thursday evening and Environment Canada says “total accumulation will be highly dependent on elevation and proximity to the water.”

The highest accumulation is expected for the North Shore and the northeast sector of Metro Vancouver.

“The higher elevations of West and North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey and Maple Ridge will get 15 to 25 cm accumulation by late morning,” said Environment Canada.

The City of Vancouver and Burnaby are expected to receive 10 to 15 cm of snow in total, whereas lower elevations near the Strait of Georgia (such as Richmond) are expected to get 5 cm.

As for the Fraser Valley, 5 to 15 cm total accumulation is predicted for the early afternoon.