Coquihalla on-track to reopen to commercial traffic by late January

Based off regular winter conditions, BC’s Transportation Minister says the Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope could be reopened to commercial traffic by late January.

“Work continues around the clock. We have over 20 sites where damaged occurred or washed away parts of the highway along 130 km of this corridor. We remain optimistic that enough temporary repairs can be completed to allow commercial traffic on the corridor by late January,” said Minister Rob Fleming. “There is one very important caveat to this timeline and this is the weather. As long as we see typical seasonal conditions, the timeline is achievable.”

When commuter traffic may be allowed back on the route is still unknown.

Fleming also addressed the devastation to highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge, and even the work being done by the Nooaitch Band to help build new dams.

“We are working with the Forest Ministry to create temporary access along some of the forest service roads,” said Fleming. “Local indigenous communities are working with us to rebuild access to the region. There is young workers from the Nooaitch Band helping to build dams along the Nicola River.”

There is not timeline for the reopening of highway 8.