CRASH CHAOS IN RICHMOND: A Morning Commute Turns Into a Major Shutdown
For thousands of drivers heading into their routine Friday commute, nothing seemed unusual — until a sudden, jarring impact brought an entire section of Knight Street to a standstill. What began as an ordinary morning quickly escalated into a traffic nightmare that is now forcing structural inspections, rerouting, and a city-wide scramble for answers.
But how did one truck manage to halt an entire highway corridor? And just how serious is the damage to the overpass?
A Collision That Stopped a City
The moment of impact was hard to miss. Commuters described an abrupt slowdown, emergency vehicle sirens slicing through the morning air, and the massive silhouette of a commercial truck wedged where it should never have been.
The first official details came from eyewitness photos and early reports:
Original Article Content (Preserved Intact)
A commercial truck’s trailer is pictured after crashing into the Cambie Road overpass on Knight Street in Richmond, B.C., on Friday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
The southbound lanes of Knight Street have been shut down after a commercial truck hit an overpass in Richmond, B.C., on Friday.
A statement from RCMP said the truck hit the Cambie Road overpass, just south of the Knight Street Bridge, around 7:15 a.m. PT. The road closures will continue while officials confirm whether the overpass is stable.
“We do not have any timelines at the moment, but we are sympathetic to travellers. We strongly suggest re-routing,” RCMP said.
The City of Richmond said the highway falls under provincial jurisdiction, but city teams are looking at the overpass.
“City staff are working to undertake a structural examination of the bridge to ensure it is safe for traffic. That will occur throughout the day, and we hope to reopen the overpass as quickly as possible,” said a statement from the City of Richmond.
The commercial truck’s trailer ended up against the highway signs attached to the northern face of the overpass. City staff were called in to investigate the bridge’s stability after the collision. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
A Roadway Shut Down — With No Reopening Time in Sight
As traffic piled up and frustration grew, RCMP urged drivers to avoid the area entirely. This wasn’t a quick cleanup job — structural safety was now the top priority.
Officials stressed that they have no estimated reopening time, leaving both commuters and businesses in uncertain territory.
Structural Integrity Under the Microscope
The incident immediately raised a critical concern:
Is the overpass still safe?
City teams quickly mobilized, launching a detailed structural examination that could take hours or even the entire day. The truck’s trailer striking the highway signage attached to the bridge added another layer of complexity, prompting engineers to verify that the collision didn’t compromise key support elements.
The City of Richmond emphasized the urgency of the inspection while also nodding to the highway’s provincial oversight — a reminder that multiple agencies are now involved in the response.
A Story Still Unfolding
Every hour brings new assessments, potential detours, and updated advice for drivers desperate to navigate the disruption. With teams still analyzing the overpass for hidden damage, the clock continues ticking — and the city can only move as quickly as safety permits.
Stay alert. More updates will follow as officials determine the next steps.
