Major B.C. highways will be closed for avalanche control work for hours today and a winter storm has created hazardous driving conditions.
The Coquihalla Highway will be closed in both directions today between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Hope to Merritt for avalanche control work. However, poor weather conditions could mean that the highway will stay closed longer.
The Kootenay Pass on Highway 3 is also closed for avalache control, and Drive BC notes that it is set to reopen at 6 p.m. In addition, hazardous winter conditions are also expected as a Pacific frontal system will continue bring snow to the Kootenay Pass. With this in mind, the winter storm alert has been lifted, and therefore conditions have improved.
After closing for more than 19 hours, the Trans-Canada Highway between Revelstoke and Golden has been reopened.
Tuesday afternoon, a fatal four-vehicle crash west of Golden closed the highway for several hours. Police said the winter driving conditions were believed to have contributed to the crash.
While the crash scene was cleared by 8 p.m., the high avalanche risk in the area forced the closure of the highway through the evening.
DriveBC warns of congestion along the route Wednesday morning.
Due to the hazardous conditions, drivers should prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow, and therefore it is advised to stay alert at all times.
It is the responsibility of the operator of a vehicle in B.C. to understand the conditions on roads they regularly drive and equip their vehicle for those conditions. As such, anyone driving on one of these highways should ensure that they have legal winter tires. Mountain snowflake tires offer better traction on snow and ice.
- With files from Rob Gibson / Castanet.
