Ahead of long weekend, police remind motorists of reduced speed limits along Coquihalla Highway

KAMLOOPS — As the Family Day long weekend approaches, B.C. Highway Patrol officers are preparing for the first long weekend since the Coquihalla Highway fully reopened to passenger traffic.

The route between Merritt and Hope reopened to traffic on January 19. It had been closed since November, when floods and mudslides caused heavy damage to the route.

In a news release, Cpl. Brian O’Callaghan notes many motorists may not be aware that the stretch between Merritt and Hope now carries a maximum speed limit of 100 kilometres-per-hour. Many sections that have been temporarily repaired still have single-lane, alternating traffic patterns with greatly reduced speeds.

O’Callaghan notes GPS systems and smartphone mapping apps may not reflect the new speed limits.

Drivers caught driving more than 40 kilometres-per-hour above the posted speed limit — considered excessive speed — will be subject to steep fines and vehicle impoundment.

Motorists are also reminded to have proper winter tread on their vehicles and be prepared in case of weather-related delays and poor conditions.

O’Callaghan says it’s likely a portion of the motorists travelling the route in the coming days will have driven to B.C. from Alberta and may be less aware of the impact November floods had on the route.