Another four-hour closure to the Coquihalla Highway Friday morning had drivers questioning the quality of maintenance provided by the current contractor.
Helicopters dropped explosives in the area from Merritt to Hope between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. as an avalanche control mechanism, and drivers were forced onto detours.
After several highway closures already this winter and treacherous drives in recent days, some frequent drivers on the route say it seems that highway maintenance is not keeping up with the snow.
Glen Cartwright says he has been stopped four times this year on the way to his cabin.
"They wait until the snow comes and then they start rather than get a head start on it," he told CTV News. "Worse and worse, every year it seems,"
Former highways minister and current Fraser-Nicola NDP MLA Harry Lali said the highways are not up to standard and should not be tolerated by B.C. drivers.
"I would think it's now the minister's job and the ministry to hold highways contractors to the letter of the law and the agreements that they've signed and do a better job," said Lali.
VSA Highway Maintenance is responsible for highway safety and told CTV News that the company has been adhering to contract terms and doing the best it can.
"Although we're not looking for pats on the back, we do want to make clear that we are out full-force front and centre on the highway system through any weather event," said Bob Gilowski.
"During times when the snow is particularly challenging we bring people on overtime, we bring in extra resources," Gilowski added.
While Coquihalla locals felt inconvenienced by the blockades, some still felt the measures on Friday were essential.
"You know I'd rather them doing avalanche controls than getting wiped out in an avalanche," said one motorist, who patiently waited for the highway reopening.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Kent Molgat
