B.C. closing parts of Highways 1, 3 and 99 on Saturday over weather concerns
Update, Nov. 27: The ministry announced late Saturday morning that closures would begin at 2 p.m. Read more here. The original story follows.
The B.C. government has announced it is "proactively closing" parts of Highway 1, Highway 3 and Highway 99 on Saturday as the province braces for the next atmospheric river.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the closures will impact Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet, and Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon.
"The exact time and duration of closures will depend on the weather," the ministry said in a news release.
"The highway infrastructure in these areas is extremely vulnerable following recent storms, and more heavy rain in the forecast poses an additional risk."
Officials said the closures will be re-evaluated Sunday morning, and routes will be re-opened as they are deemed safe.
In addition to those closures, Highway 1 between Popkum and Hope is being shut down Saturday afternoon for scheduled reservoir releases that will send water rushing toward parts of the highway that were impacted during last week's storm.
The Ministry of Transportation said further damage is expected on the highway, but that the releases are "crucial to protect the Jones Lake Reservoir, which is also being affected by the heavy rains."
"Crews will undertake assessment when it is safe to do so, and equipment will be on standby for repairs," the ministry said.
On Friday, multiple crashes closed part of Highway 3, the Crowsnest Highway, in both directions. The stretch was already only open to essential travel, such as commercial vehicles carrying essential goods and previously stranded travellers trying to get home.
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming called the accidents a good reminder to all drivers to "please slow down, to be attentive, to be patient."
"Crews are continuing to repair and upgrade corridors and conditions are far from normal," Fleming said Friday morning.
The Coquihalla Highway and Highway 8 also remain closed.
ROAD RECOVERY
Addressing the ongoing repairs to major routes damaged during last week's storm, Fleming said there's "no question" they'll be rebuilt better than before.
"Our infrastructure will be rebuilt to withstand the new climate realities that we find ourselves in," he said.
On Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon, seven different areas were impacted, four of which suffered major damage.
The province has estimated temporary repairs will be completed by mid-January.
"It will be very restricted traffic flow with some single-lane sections and at-grade rail crossing that will be temporary but will allow for the safe passage of vehicles," Fleming said.
The minister also gave an update on Highway 8, which he said "was largely destroyed" in last week's storm. Twenty different areas saw significant damage, including four bridges.
"The Nicola River has literally carved a new path, washing away large sections of the highway in the process," he added.
"About five or six kilometres of roadway is completely gone and another 20 kilometres has been significantly damaged."
The province is working with local Indigenous leaders to restore temporary access as soon as possible, Fleming said.
Ongoing road updates are available on DriveBC's road advisory page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.