A major rockslide and the threat of avalanches closed the Trans-Canada Highway in two places in B.C. Friday afternoon.
The slide closed the highway in both directions just north of Hope in the province's Fraser Canyon, making it impassable to drivers in both directions.
Jeff Knight of B.C.'s Ministry of Highways says approximately 100 cubic metre of rock fell in a fenced area. Only 30 cubic metres actually made it onto the road, Knight said.
Knight said provincial geo-technical crews were required to assess the slope for stability. Because the task must be completed in daylight hours, he expected the highway would likely remain closed until at least Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Highway 1 was also closed in both directions from Golden, B.C., to the west boundary of Yoho National Park because of a high avalanche hazard. It opened early Friday evening.
Highway 5 was also closed for several hours near the Box Canyon Chainup area in both directions Friday afternoon because of several jackknifed semi-trucks. No injuries were reported in the accidents.
Anyone travelling east of Hope is advised to take Highway 3. Drivers are asked to avoid the Fraser Canyon area of Highway 5 if possible.
Check drivebc.ca for the latest updates and road conditions.
