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Hwy 3 reopens, travel restrictions in place

Vital link to Lower Mainland restored earlier than expected

A crucial link between the Interior and Lower Mainland has reopened after devastating weather pummeled southern B.C., severing road and rail links between the two regions.

It comes as the province introduces travel restrictions on many roadways to prioritize the movement of goods, emergency, and repair vehicles.

Highway 3 has reopened, though much of it is limited to people stranded and trying to get home, as well as most goods. Large parts of Highways 99 and 7 have similar restrictions.

“I cannot overstate how appreciative I am of everybody who has been involved in this incredible effort, the crews, along this corridor, to get this open. They have been going around the clock,” Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said.

On Thursday, Fleming had indicated the highway would not be ready for commercial traffic until late Sunday.

Drivers on the road will encounter heavy equipment, delays, stoppages, and traffic control. There will be police along the route to ensure only essential traffic is using the road.

Fleming expects Highway 99, from Pemberton to Lillooet, to possibly reopen by Sunday, also for restricted travel. As highway conditions improve and more roadways open, the rules will be amended.

Fleming said the federal government has played a crucial role in moving supplies, helping to fast-track B.C. truckers through Washington state. Canadian Pacific Rail, he said, has made good progress on repairing lines, with the company optimistic it can restore access to the Port of Vancouver by the middle of next week.

He had no estimate on the overall cost to repair the highways or a timeline for when the others could open.

“It is going to be very significant, and we are going to build it back to a higher standard,” Fleming said.

Fuel rations in some areas

Elsewhere in the province, fuel restrictions are being put in place because of damage to the Trans Mountain pipeline and highways, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday afternoon.

The company expects to have the pipeline back online by the end of next week.

“It is 10 to 11 days where we have to pull together as a province, particularly in the Lower Mainland. If we do that, we will succeed,” Farnworth said. “If we are greedy, we will fail. It’s that simple.”

Under the order, people in much of the Lower Mainland, the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island are limited to just 30 litres of fuel per trip to the station. Essential vehicles will have unrestricted access to fuel, using mainly cardlock stations.

He urged the public to remain calm and be patient at the pump. People are also encouraged to walk, carpool, or take public transit.

Fuel is still trickling into the province, but more gas is being sourced from Alberta and parts of the United States, even as far as California.

Published 2021-11-19 by Tyler Marr

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