Coquihalla reopens, Hwy 3 open to all traffic Tuesday

The Coquihalla has reopened between Hope and Merritt to essential commercial vehicles only.

The province announced Monday morning the primary transportation route linking the Lower Mainland to the Interior had opened, five weeks after devastating washouts caused by a freak atmospheric river on Nov. 14 damaged several sections.

The Coquihalla is available to commercial vehicles with a minimum licensed gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kilograms.

"The people who build and maintain roads in B.C. have a reputation second to none, and their response to the recent disaster has been remarkable," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in a media release. "Ministry teams, maintenance contractors and hundreds of workers going flat out in challenging conditions have allowed us to reopen the Coquihalla Highway today, giving B.C.'s commercial drivers a safe, efficient route between the coast and Interior."

As per the plan announced last week, with the reopening of the Coquihalla to most commercial vehicles, restrictions on Highway 3 will be lifted tomorrow. As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, the route between Hope and Princeton will be available for non-essential travel.

Travel restrictions have also been lifted on Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet. However, vehicles over 14,500 kilograms GVW are still not permitted on this section of highway.

"Today's reopening of the Coquihalla Highway is a testament to the strong working relationship between the BC Road Builders and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure," said Kelly Scott, president, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association. "This relationship allowed the road builder industry and government to come together almost immediately, unified in the goal of reopening this vital link. We are grateful for all the women and men who worked safely and tirelessly around the clock to achieve our goal."

When travel restrictions are lifted from Highway 3 and Highway 99, these routes become available for general use. For drivers travelling these highways, the ministry urges preparation and patience. Drivers can expect delays and congestion and are encouraged to consider alternate options or avoid highway travel unless necessary.

"Having use of the Coquihalla Highway brings more predictability to the movement of goods through British Columbia," said Dave Earle, president and CEO, BC Trucking Association. "This an important step toward restoring our supply chain, and our members appreciate the extraordinary efforts of everyone involved."

Highway 3 and Highway 99 are mountainous highways where weather conditions can change quickly, and people should be comfortable driving in winter conditions. The province's maintenance contractors are out in full force, but it is important that drivers do their part and drive to conditions, and check DriveBC before setting out.

Drivers are reminded that B.C.'s winter tire and chain-up regulations are in effect. Other safety tips for winter driving apply, including travelling with a full tank of gas, food and water, and warm clothes.

The facts behind the fix:

- Flooding and washouts associated with the November rain event damaged more than 20 sites along 130 kilometres of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. This included seven bridges where spans completely collapsed or were otherwise heavily damaged.

- More than 300 workers using 200 pieces of equipment moved more than 400,000 cubic metres of gravel, rock, and other material to repair and reopen the highway in just 35 days.

- The repairs to the Coquihalla Highway are temporary, with travel pattern changes and reduced speed limits.

- Plans for permanent repairs to the damaged section of Highway 5 are underway.