235257
BC  

Travel advisory all week

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.

Drivers are advised to prepare for more winter weather conditions and possible delays when travelling to and from the Interior for the remainder of the week.

Environment Canada has issued a travel advisory for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, as up to 30 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in the region by end of day today. Independent forecasters suggest that could be followed by waves of heavy snowfall that continue through Friday. This follows a previous weather system that delivered approximately 25 centimetres of snow earlier this week.

So far this week, VSA Maintenance has implemented the Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol for 52 hours and anticipates that it will be implemented again to deal with the forecast. The protocol is a comprehensive 10-step plan to ensure safe highway conditions are maintained through the corridor during heavy snowfall or other challenging weather systems.

A mandatory chain-up has been in effect as required for commercial vehicle operators, who are reminded of the enhanced regulations requiring an increase in the number of chains on their trucks, depending on weight and configuration. The new Box Canyon facility is intended for chain-up only and overnight parking is not permitted.

Commercial truck drivers are also reminded of the no trucks in the left lane pilot project, which restricts them from using the far-left lane on Snowshed Hill. This allows for better traffic flow (including emergency vehicles) and plowing operations, as well as significantly reducing the time it takes to get people moving after a full closure.


UPDATE: 12:15 p.m.

DriveBC now estimates northbound lanes on the Coquihalla Highway should open about 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The highway has been closed since shortly after 10 a.m. due to a crash involving what looks to be two semi trucks about nine kilometres south of Merritt.

No word on injuries or a cause of the crash.


UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.

A crash has closed northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway just south of Merritt, near the Comstock exit.

Pictures sent in from the scene seem to show at least two semis were involved.

One semi has turned completely around, facing the wrong direction on the highway.

Tow trucks and emergency crews are on the scene.

No word on how long the portion of highway will be closed, or what caused the crash.


ORIGINAL: 6:45 a.m.

Environment Canada's snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt remains in effect Wednesday.

Another storm will bring 20 to 30 cm of snow to the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt by Thursday morning.

A moist and unsettled airmass will maintain a few flurries over the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt today. A few centimetres of snow are possible this morning.

Snow will then intensify late this afternoon as the next storm system moves onshore. Heavy snow will continue tonight and is expected to ease Thursday.

You are advised to adjust your driving with changing road conditions and to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for taillights ahead and be prepared to stop.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions and check DriveBc and Castanet highway cameras before heading out on to the highways. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.



More BC News