How damaged is the Coquihalla highway after mudslides?

• 200 mms rain hit highway
• Some damage reported but too early to judge extent
• Geotech crews to do fly-over inspection

The stretch of Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt remains closed after two mudslides Sunday, and it’s unclear when it will be able to re-open following extraordinary amounts of rain.

Geotechnical crews will be dispatched to assess the damage, according to Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Paula Cousins.

“The closures remain in effect because of active mudslides and debris flows,” Cousins said.

“The corridor has received approximately 200 millimetres of rain and continues to experience heavy precipitation.”

Cousins said experts would be flying the corridor, once it is safe to do so, to assess damage.

“We do have early reports there is some damage along the corridor although it’s too soon to know the extent of that damage which is going to determine the length of the closure,” she added.

Cousins said some snow is expected on the highway this afternoon which will add to their challenges.