Bridge lost along Highway 8; Five structures compromised on the Coquihalla

A stretch of Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge is closed following the devastating flooding with Ministry of Transportation officials announcing that a bridge on the route has been washed out.

“Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge remains closed.  We were able to assess that corridor today (Tuesday) and it has experienced significant damage with multiple sections of the highway washed out and a bridge has also been washed away along Highway 8,” said Paula Cousins, Ministry of Transportation.

The Ministry was also able to get a better look at the Coquihalla on Tuesday, stating that five structures have been compromised.

“We did some aerial assessments of Highway 5, those were completed today, and we can confirm that at least five structures have been compromised and there is multiple wash outs along the route. That corridor will require significant repairs before traffic will be able to move on it again,” said Cousins.

No timeline has been provided for the work required along the Coquihalla.