An overpass in British Columbia that has been struck six times since 2021 by commercial vehicles has been chosen as the site for the province’s new overheight detection system (OHDS).

Construction on the OHDS began March 9 on Highway 1 westbound at the No. 3 Road interchange in Chilliwack. Once installed, the new system will use a combination of beam-break sensors, radar, cameras and flashing beacons to detect vehicles that exceed height limits and alert drivers, allowing them to divert before they reach the overpass.

The site of the new initiative has been repeatedly struck, causing extended closures, costly repairs and major traffic delays, according to a news release.

“Overheight collisions are entirely preventable,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of transportation and transit. “This new system will help ensure overheight commercial drivers get advanced warning before reaching the overpass. By combining proven detection tools with stronger enforcement methods, we are taking action to reduce the number of strikes and keep people and goods moving safely.”

“Preventing overpass strikes is a shared priority for industry and government,” added Dave Earle, president and CEO of the B.C. Trucking Association. “Commercial carriers move over 90% of the goods that keep British Columbia’s economy running, and when infrastructure is damaged, it creates safety risks and major disruptions for all road users. Combined with proper training and ongoing enforcement, this type of investment supports safer highways and a more reliable transportation network for the movement of goods.”

Measures to improve safety

Preventive measures, such as speed-limiter devices for heavy commercial vehicles, as well as in-cab warning devices for dump-style commercial vehicles capable of rising above 4.15 meters, are improving safety, according to the government.

Since December 2021, as part of enhanced enforcement efforts to reduce infrastructure collisions, the province has suspended more than 45 carriers under investigation and issued more than $66,000 in violation tickets to involved drivers and carriers.

The project’s $2-million budget is funded through the 2025-26 Intelligent Transportation Systems program, showing how budgeted investments are being used to improve public safety, protect infrastructure and support the movement of goods in the region.

Infrastructure collisions have decreased from 29 in 2024 to 17 in 2025, the release added.