A metal guard rail was stolen off an overpass above Highway 19 near Qualicum Bay, and another section was left unbolted, causing a serious risk to traffic below, say Oceanside RCMP.
“The potential for a fatal crash was extremely high had the unbolted guard rail fallen from the overpass and landed on the highway or a moving vehicle below,” said Sgt. Shane Worth of the Oceanside RCMP.
“Fortunately, police were quickly alerted to the incident and repairs were made right away by highway crews.”
Police said the 40-foot section of guard rail was removed from the west side of the Cochrane Road overpass sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
The thief was apparently preparing to take another 40-foot section of guard rail, but left it unbolted and resting in place on stanchions.
Police asked anyone with information about who may have removed the guard rail, or who knows the location of the stolen rail, to contact Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111 quoting file number 2024-4403.
