Major Expo and Millennium line delays: branch hits train, tree on tracks
UPDATE: Train service along the Expo and Millennium lines has been restored, although some delays might persist in Surrey as the system returns to normal.
EARLIER:
The massive windstorm that continues to rip through the Lower Mainland this afternoon has caused major service disruptions on SkyTrain’s Expo and Millennium lines.
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Due to debris on the tracks, including fallen trees, trains are moving from Waterfront to Metrotown stations and New Westminster to King George and VCC-Clark stations. The current issue is with a tree falling across the tracks near Royal Oak Station.
According to Transit Police, a bus bridge has been set up between Metrotown and New Westminster stations. Transit users should board the No. 106 bus at Metrotown for the bus bridge, although long lines should be expected.
Train service between VCC-Clark and Sapperton stations was halted earlier in the day, but the span has since resumed service.
A Mark 2.5 train purchased before the Olympics was also hit by a large branch, with photos showing substantial damage to the front of the train. Passengers on the damaged train were seen leaving the vehicle and walking on the tracks – it is unclear whether they were assisted by transit staff.
The Canada Line is still running normally as much of the system runs underground. Some bus services are taking detours due to downed trees on their usual routes.
B.C. Hydro says 500,000 customers are currently without power. Traffic lights in many areas are not working and trees have fallen onto roads, bringing traffic to a standstill.
TransLink had previously that scheduled delays on SkyTrain would occur all day this weekend to allow maintenance crews to perform a rail replacement project. At this time, it is unclear whether the scheduled timeline for the project will be prolonged.
Image: Thomas Kostiuk / submitted
Image: Peter Chaing / submitted
Image: Thomas Kostiuk / submitted
With #skytrain down line ups for buses at #NewWest Stn are looooong pic.twitter.com/UbVCVJeYdC
— shane woodford (@WoodfordCKNW980) August 29, 2015
Skytrain sitting on tracks between Royal Oak and Edmonds stations. Windshield cracked from fallen tree #CBC pic.twitter.com/bA9C2Orgko — Megan Batchelor (@MegsBatchelor) August 29, 2015
Long bus lines at #NewWest Station due to tree fallen on #skytrain tracks. #translink pic.twitter.com/zKJByOtLA7
— Starr Wong (@themisfitbaker) August 29, 2015
@BakeDanceLove well it’s super windy and a tree branch hit a skytrain pic.twitter.com/ZrJW4U6ijO — crazylegs™ (@Ehslater) August 29, 2015
Happening now: badly damaged SkyTrain car 323 en route slowly to Royal Oak station. #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/U6l6hjqwI7
— Bob Mackin (@bobmackin) August 29, 2015
So this kind of sucks. #StuckInTheSuburbs #Skytrain #WindStorm
A photo posted by @2marra on
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