DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Beginning this weekend, the provincial government is testing whether the same snow-clearing cables used on the Port Mann Bridge, would work on the Alex Fraser.

Right now, there is no system in place on the Alex Fraser, however, on the Port Mann collars run down the cables clearing snow and ice build-up.

Norm Parks with the Ministry of Transportation knows the system works, but explains why they need to test it before making it permanent. “The cables on the Alex Fraser are different from the cables on the Port Mann Bridge. They have a different coating on them.”

He breaks down what the cable-clearing looks like and what they’ll be doing this weekend. “It’s a chain link of different sizes and it starts sliding down the cable, rotating, knocking the snow off the cable as it goes down and hits the bumper down at the base so it doesn’t damage the bottom of the cable.”

What were described as ice bombs fell from the Alex Fraser this past winter, damaging dozens of cars leading to expensive ICBC claims. The span was also temporarily shut down because it was unsafe to drive over and when a helicopter was brought in to blow away the snow.

This testing is just the first step as engineers continue to consider other options and solutions. Parks wasn’t able to provide details of how much the system or the testing is costing the province.

Delta’s Mayor is hoping this could prevent closures like we saw last month on the Alex Fraser.

“The last thing we need is to have someone in a major car accident because of the ice falling, so I’m totally in favour of doing whatever we can to keep it safe for people.”

Lois Jackson says while the closures during the snowy weather might have frustrated commuters, she supported them so drivers were safe.

“If it’s worked well on the Port Mann, it should work well on the Alex Fraser. No one liked to see the closures on the Alex Fraser but I did support them because it’s safety first for everyone that’s on the road.”

The tests means single-lane closures on the Alex Fraser — stoppages begin Sunday night and continue through Thursday night between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

The schedule is as follows: