B.C. fully reopens Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Hope
The stretch of Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Hope has been fully reopened after crews finished clearing debris and repairing storm damage along the normally busy route.
The B.C. government announced the eastbound lanes were reopened Tuesday evening in the Bridal Falls area, allowing two lanes of traffic to flow in both directions once again.
"Counterflow traffic management is no longer needed through this section of the corridor," the Ministry of Transportation said in a news release, adding that drivers can "expect slow traffic with reduced speed limits."
Parts of Highway 1 have been closed and reopened multiple times since the historic storm that struck the province's South Coast on Nov. 14. It was reopened from Abbotsford to Chilliwack last Thursday, while the section between Bridal Falls and Hope remained limited to one lane in each direction.
While there are no restrictions banning non-essential vehicles, the ministry asked the public to avoid using Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley for unnecessary travel "to support the safe and efficient movement of goods and services."
The area of Highway 1 from Boothroyd to Spences Bridge remains closed, as does the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt.
Highway 3 is only open for essential travel from Hope to Princeton, and officials have been unable to say whether it could reopen by Christmas, leaving limited options for many British Columbians hoping to visit loved ones in the coming weeks.
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming has said the province is working with airlines to try and have more flights scheduled between the Vancouver, Victoria and Abbotsford airports into the Interior to accommodate holiday travellers.
Fleming said traffic on Highway 3 must remain restricted for now, calling the route "crucial" to maintaining the province's supply chains as repair work continues on several roads.
On Monday, the province lifted travel restrictions on Highway 7 through the Fraser Valley, marking the first time in weeks that commuters were allowed back on the route from Mission to Hope.
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.