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Crash sparks review of highway safety railing

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Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure engineers

Ministry of Transportation engineers will be examining a section of highway guard rail that failed to prevent a Vancouver woman from crashing into the Serpentine River last month.

"We're working with the RCMP and the coroner's office to assess the facts that were associated with that crash," ministry spokesperson Jeff Knight confirmed Friday.

"The ministry's bridge and traffic engineers will be looking at how the railing performed."

A driver in her 20s died March 12 of injuries sustained Feb. 28, when the Honda she was driving crashed through a barrier on the Serpentine Bridge and plunged into the river.

In the days since her death, a tribute of flowers and a cross have been placed near the scene.

Police ruled out speed, drugs and alcohol as contributing factors early in the investigation. Last week, Cpl. Aaron Sproule of the RCMP's Lower Mainland Traffic Services announced that charges have been recommended against a second driver who is believed to have contributed to the crash. That driver's name has not been released, pending formal charges.

At the family's request, police have also not released the victim's name.

Knight said he did not know how long the rail review will take.



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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