Coquihalla closure caused by ‘non-compliant commercial vehicles’ as Environment Canada revises snowfall warning

The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt remains closed this morning, and DriveBC is pointing the blame at “non-compliant commercial vehicles” that did not chain up.

The highway has been closed in both directions since about 9:00 p.m. last night, though northbound lanes between Merritt and Hope were first closed about 8:40 p.m., about 30 minutes after drivers heading towards Merritt were told to expect delays between Exit 202: Portia and Exit 217: the Zopkios Brake Check.

“[The] closure between Hope and Merritt [is] due to non-compliant commercial vehicles at mandatory chain up location, ”DriveBC said in an update Thursday (March 26) morning. “Expect major delays. Alternate routes are available.”

DriveBC is also reporting a vehicle incident between the Zopkios Brake Check and Exit 231: Mine Creek Road, though exact details aren’t known at this time.

A snowfall warning has been in place since last night, as Environment Canada told drivers on that section of the highway to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating – possibly hazardous – travel conditions.

“In the wake of a front, periods of heavy snow will continue this morning,” an updated warning issued this morning said. “Approximately 25 centimetres has already fallen since last night with a further 5 to 10 centimetres expected this morning before the snow eases midday.”

The initial forecast was only calling for about 15 centimetres of snow to fall.

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest on highway conditions from DriveBC here.