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Impaired driving suspected in truck crash that set off gridlock in North Vancouver

VANCOUVER — A man has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving after a transport truck crashed on Highway 1 in North Vancouver, creating traffic chaos around the busy commuter route.
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VANCOUVER — A man has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving after a transport truck crashed on Highway 1 in North Vancouver, creating traffic chaos around the busy commuter route. 

A statement from RCMP says the truck had crossed the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Highway 1 shortly after 4 a.m. Friday when it crashed under an overpass.

The impact damaged the structure, demolished the truck cab and tore open the trailer, while spilling cargo and a large amount of fuel. 

Police say the driver was treated in hospital for minor injuries, but concerns about the safety of the overpass forced the closure of all westbound lanes until engineers determined it was structurally sound.

A significant amount of absorbent sand was also needed to soak up the fuel and police say the route was reopened just before 10 a.m.

Sgt. Peter Devries says the 47-year-old truck driver from Surrey, B.C., has been arrested for driving while impaired and driving while prohibited, but an investigation is continuing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2021.

The Canadian Press