Motorists traveling southbound on Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope are being warned to expect long delays Sunday.
DriveBC issued a statement this afternoon saying “congestion and heavy traffic” were adding at least two extra hours to the 5 Freeway commute.
“Allow additional travel time or consider an alternate route,” the website says, noting a detour is available by taking Highway 5A and then Highway 3.
Ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer travel season after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the province has warned would-be travelers to prepare for problems caused by construction.
The Coquihalla was badly damaged during last year’s catastrophic flood and was closed to regular traffic for two months. When it reopened, only temporary repairs were made.
With permanent repair work underway, some sections will continue to see reduced speed limits and lane closures throughout the summer.
Combination of highway reconstruction activities and summer traffic volumes make delays inevitable, especially on #Coquihalla and #BCHwy1 . 🚧 Expect delays 🕜 Allow extra time 👷 Obey traffic control 🚗 Drive according to conditions 👮 Be aware of enforcement #ConeZoneBC pic.twitter.com/whJYmjDrom
— BC Transportation (@TranBC) July 3, 2022
A weather-related travel advisory is in effect for Highway 99 between Lillooet and Pemberton, with DriveBC noting the potential for “pooling water and increased rockfall” caused by heavy rain.
Anyone using this highway is warned that it may be closed without warning.
This section of the highway was also closed after last year’s floods in which landslides killed four people.
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