Permanent repairs in Othello
Alanna Kelly – July 28, 2022 / 4:34 pm | History: 377698
Photo: Transport BC
Crews protect the Othello Bridge on Highway 5 in British Columbia on December 1, 2021
Work to repair a damaged section of the Coquihalla Highway that was destroyed by last November’s storms will begin soon.
Homes and roads in Othello, just outside Hope, were washed away and destroyed during the floods. The storms left many people homeless and wiped out important infrastructure.
Permanent repairs to the Othello section of Highway 5 are expected to begin in early August, the British Columbia government announced Thursday.
The $4.6 million contract has been awarded to Emil Anderson and Chawathil First Nation.
In a statement, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming said the announcement marks a “milestone” in the province’s recovery from atmospheric river events that severely damaged British Columbia’s highway infrastructure.
“We are working quickly to build permanent infrastructure back to a better, more climate-resilient standard that will protect the movement of people and goods across our province. I am pleased that this contract is a joint venture that includes Chawathil First Nation,” he says.
Crews will focus on rebuilding the approximately 460 meters of southbound lanes that have been washed away. During the storms, 20 properties were damaged and seven bridges collapsed.
The work will also include replacing and augmenting culverts to accommodate future extreme weather events associated with climate change, widening shoulders and installing barriers, along with rebuilding the roadside barrier and spillways.
Chief Rhoda Peters of the Chawathil First Nation says they are proud to be a part of the project.
“To be involved in work that is being developed in our traditional territory shows that we are moving forward with the business for Chawathil,” says Peters. “So many highways, railroads, pipelines and hydro lines pass through our lands without agreements with our leaders. Today, our nation is able to sit at the table and work together as the future unfolds rapidly before us.”
The repairs will take place three kilometers north of the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 5. They are expected to be completed in the fall.
Travelers should expect some delays during construction; however, efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel times.
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