Section of Highway 1 reopens to all vehicle traffic after B.C.'s historic flooding
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic Monday afternoon, but drivers are being told to expect delays of up to two hours or more.
The Ministry of Transportation said the reopening marks another "major milestone" in B.C.'s recovery from November's record rainstorms that brought devastating floods and mudslides to the South Coast.
Transportation Minister Rob Fleming credited crews and staff who have been working around-the-clock to reopen the major artery connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.'s Interior and Northern regions.
"The construction and engineering accomplishments to get people and goods moving again after the highway sustained such heavy damage are nothing short of remarkable," said Fleming in a news release.
The repairs to the highway were completed despite a blast of winter weather bringing "record snowfalls, avalanche risks and cold temperatures" to the area over the past few weeks, officials said.
However, drivers are being warned of heavy delays along this stretch of the highway due to ongoing repairs and sections of single-lane alternating traffic.
Officials said drivers can expect congestion at the temporary single-lane bridge at the Jackass Mountain and Nicomen River crossing, which was installed where a large section of a two-lane road was destroyed.
"Because this bridge is in a known avalanche zone, drivers will have a pilot-car service for approximately four kilometres to guide them through this section," the Ministry of Transportation said.
Officials added that because the avalanche risk in the Fraser Canyon is also high this time of year, drivers should expect closures on short notice for avalanche control and clean-up efforts.
The Ministry of Transportation is urging anyone travelling along the highway this winter to plan accordingly, with warm clothing, food and water, and a full tank of gas.
Last week, another section of Highway 1 between Kanaka Bar and Spences Bridge reopened and Fleming said he expected the highway to "reopen to all vehicle traffic before the end of January."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.