Late night thunderstorm causes mudslide on Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge

MERRITT — Late Sunday (July 17) night thunderstorms caused further issues on Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge.

According to DriveBC, a mudslide between Dot Ranch Cut-Off Road West and Petit Creek – 27 kilometres west of Merritt – closed the stretch of Highway 8 in both directions. DriveBC states a geo-technician will assess the scene Monday (July 18) morning, and a detour is not available. Another update is due at 8 a.m. Monday.

A travel advisory is in effect for Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge as heavy rainfall may lead to unexpected mudslides and closures. Drivers are asked to avoid traveling on the highway unless absolutely necessary.

The recent mudslide and advisory are in addition to road reconstruction taking place on numerous sites on Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge following a devastating flooding event in mid-November 2021. DriveBC says there’s no estimated time of re-opening available.