Road closure on 40th Avenue between 216 Street and 212 Street

On October 19, 2024, at approximately 8:00am, Langley RCMP responded to a possible sinkhole developing on 40th Avenue between 216 Street and 212 Street.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, 40th Avenue is closed in both directions between 216 Street and 212 Street. Heavy rainfall within the past 24 hours has compromised the stability of the roadway on 40th Avenue between 216 Street and 212 Street, says Corporal Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are being advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes.

Road safety tips during the rain:

• Use vehicle headlights but avoid using the high beams. Headlights help make you visible to other drivers and pedestrians, but high beams can reflect back and reduce your ability to see other road users.
• Don't use cruise control in the rain. If you hydroplane in cruise control, your wheels can reach an excessive speed while they're not in contact with the road. This means you'll be jolted forward once the wheels make contact again.
• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front. The three-second rule applies in good weather. You should double it to six seconds for light rain/fog and triple it to nine seconds for heavy rain/fog. If the vehicle in front of you is a commercial vehicle or a bus, leave even more room.
• Slow down. Posted speed limits assume good road and weather conditions, so go below the limit to say safe in wet weather and low visibility.
• Beware of other vehicles around you. Larger vehicles such as trucks, buses and trailers are especially affected by heavy rain.
• Adjust your planned travel time to include sufficient time to fully demist/defog all your windows.

Cyclists:

• Put lights and reflective tape on your bike, helmet, clothing and bag.

Anyone with information about hazardous areas are requested to contact the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.