Squamish Chief – October 25th, 2018.

Squamish commuters might encounter a shorter wait next time there’s a minor accident on the way to the city.

“Higher standards” and quicker responses to stalled vehicles on the Lions Gate and Ironworkers’ Memorial bridges are expected, the provincial government announced.

“Having additional hours for tow trucks stationed at the Lions Gate and Ironworkers’ Memorial bridges means that these vital North Shore crossings can be put back into service more quickly following disruptive vehicle incidents,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, in a news release.

As a result of new requirements starting in November, there will be an increase in tow truck standby hours.

A large wrecker will be available for removing commercial vehicles and buses at those bridge crossings, the province said.

If everything goes as intended, vehicles should be cleared faster, so people spend less time stuck in traffic when there is a flat tire, fender bender or other minor incident.

The changes result from a new 10-year contract being assigned to Miller Capilano Highway Services Ltd. for Howe Sound Service Area 04.

This service area includes Highway 1 from the south side of Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge to Horseshoe Bay, Highway 99 in Stanley Park to the junction with Highway 1, as well as Taylor Way, Cypress Bowl Road and Mt. Seymour Parkway. The maintenance contract also covers Highway 99 from Function Junction to the Duffey Lake summit and side roads in Pemberton.