VOCM News: Trans-Canada Highway Shut Down Near Doe Hills After Truck Crash

If you were thinking of heading across the island this weekend, you might want to rethink your plans. The Trans-Canada Highway is still closed this morning near Doe Hills after a big rig jackknifed yesterday afternoon, blocking both eastbound lanes. Our team at VOCM has been all over this story since the first call came through, and we're keeping listeners across Newfoundland updated around the clock on 590 VOCM - St. John's and our sister stations VOCM-FM and CKVO.

The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on Friday. The truck, fully loaded with lumber, hit a patch of black ice just east of the Doe Hills overpass and lost control. Witnesses say the trailer fishtailed before folding up like an accordion, completely blocking traffic in both directions. Emergency crews from the RNC and local fire departments were on site through the night, but with a ruptured fuel tank and cleanup crews waiting for daylight, the highway isn't expected to reopen until late this afternoon at the earliest.

Detours and Delays

For anyone heading east toward Clarenville or the Bonavista Peninsula, get ready for a serious detour. The province has set up a diversion along Route 80, but it's adding at least an hour to most trips. I had a yarn with a few folks stuck in the queue near the Salmonier Line yesterday—some had been sitting for six hours without moving. One driver, Jamie Budden, sent us the photo you see above. "It's a mess out here," he told us. "I've never seen a truck that size completely sideways like that."

Here's the info you need if you're heading that way today:

• Highway closure: The Trans-Canada (Route 1) is closed from the Doe Hills exit to the Whitbourne turn-off.
• Detour: For local traffic, take Route 80 (Old Placentia Road); long-haul trucks are best to wait it out or pull up at designated truck stops.
• Weather: More snow is on the way Sunday—our VOCM weather expert reckons the Avalon could cop another 10 cm by Monday morning.

Community Spirit and How You Can Help

What really gets you at times like this is how quick locals jump in to help. The VOCM Cares Foundation has already been in touch with the Salvation Army and local food banks to make sure any stranded drivers can grab a hot feed and a warm spot if they need it. We'll have more deets on how you can chip in later today on 590 VOCM - St. John's.

And for those of you stuck at home wondering about road conditions, keep it locked on VOCM-FM and CKVO. We're doing live chats with RNC traffic officers and Transport crews every half-hour. If you do have to head out, give yourself a good buffer, pack a blanket and some snacks—just in case.

We'll keep you posted online and on air as it all unfolds. Stay safe out there, mates.