UPDATE: The previously closed northbound lane on the Patricia Bay Highway near Elk Lake is now open after the crews clear the crashed semi-truck.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, a semi-truck has jackknifed on the Patricia Bay Highway near Elk Lake, blocking a lane with its trailer.
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The incident happened Saturday afternoon amid the Island’s first snowstorm of the year in the 5100-block of Highway 17, near the Piedmont Road intersection.
The Pat Bay Highway is down to one lane going northbound, and commercial vehicles are unable to get through at this point, according to police.
Saanich Police confirm southbound lanes are not affected by the crash, but that traffic is still slow-moving as drivers take due care to travel in the snow.
The crash seems to have taken down a lamp post on the highway.
Saanich Police are currently on scene, and have given no indication of when normal traffic flow will resume.
*Traffic Advisory* Emergency crews are on scene for a semi truck that has jack knifed, blocking traffic northbound Pat Bay Hwy at Piedmont Drive. Single lane traffic only at this time. No commercial vehicles. Please drive slowly through this area and use caution! ⚠️
— Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit (@SPD_Traffic) February 13, 2021
“Please use caution and prepare for delays if travelling through the area. We will update once the highway is clear,” said the Saanich PD.
This comes as both Saanich and Victoria police departments ask everyone to stay home if possible, as officers have responded to multiple crashes already.
On Friday night, the forecasted “significant amount of snow” fell on Greater Victoria and many parts of Vancouver Island.
According to Environment Canada, the Island is enduring a cold snap, and the snow could continue to fall throughout the weekend.
READ MORE: Significant amounts of snow expected across Vancouver Island on Friday night
Rebecca Lawrence
