MERRITT, B.C. – Roadbuilders in B.C. have managed to reopen B.C.’s Coquihalla Highway in just 35 days after it was severely damaged by flooding and slides.
The route, also known as Highway 5, has reopened between Hope and Merritt to essential commercial vehicles only following a month of extensive repairs. It was closed by multiple washouts on Nov. 14.
Flooding and washouts associated with the November rain event damaged more than 20 sites along 130 kilometres of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. This included seven bridges where spans completely collapsed or were otherwise heavily damaged.
“The people who build and maintain roads in B.C. have a reputation second to none, and their response to the recent disaster has been remarkable,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and Infrastructure, in a press release. “Ministry teams, maintenance contractors and hundreds of workers going flat out in challenging conditions have allowed us to reopen the Coquihalla Highway today, giving B.C.’s commercial drivers a safe, efficient route between the coast and Interior.”
The repairs are temporary but plans for more permanent ones are underway. Commercial vehicles with a minimum licensed gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kilograms can now drive on the highway. The province stated with most commercial vehicles moving to Highway 5, travel restrictions will be lifted from Highway 3 at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, allowing the route between Hope and Princeton to be used for non-essential travel.
Travel restrictions have also been lifted from Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet. However, vehicles over 14,500 kilograms GVW are still not permitted on this section of Highway 99.
“Today’s reopening of the Coquihalla Highway is a testament to the strong working relationship between the BC Road Builders and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,” said Kelly Scott, president of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association. “This relationship allowed the roadbuilder industry and government to come together almost immediately, unified in the goal of reopening this vital link. We are grateful for all the women and men who worked safely and tirelessly around the clock to achieve our goal. “
The repair effort involved more than 300 workers using 200 pieces of equipment. Crews moved more than 400,000 cubic metres of gravel, rock and other material to repair and reopen the route.
When travel restrictions are lifted from Highway 3 and Highway 99, these routes become available for general use. For drivers travelling these highways, the ministry urges preparation and patience. Drivers can expect delays and congestion and are encouraged to consider alternate options or avoid highway travel unless necessary.
Dave Earle, president of the BC Trucking Association, explained the highway opening brings more predictability to the movement of goods through British Columbia.
“This an important step toward restoring our supply chain, and our members appreciate the extraordinary efforts of everyone involved,” said Earle.
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