Highway 7 reopens for westbound travellers stranded in Hope
Posted November 17, 2021 12:56 pm.
Last Updated November 18, 2021 11:51 am.
Drivers who have been stranded in Hope for days due to flooding are now being allowed to leave, as Highway 7 reopens for a limited time Wednesday evening.
The route, also known as the Lougheed Highway, has been closed since Sunday.
B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation is stressing that this reopening is only for a limited time, and only so people can get home.
“The intent of this opening is to allow those people stranded in Hope to make their way toward the Lower Mainland,” a statement says.
“Following this evacuation of passenger vehicles westbound from Hope, Highway 7 will be closed again between Agassiz and Hope so crews can continue to work on the highway. However, emergency services vehicles will continue to have access.”
NEWS – #BCHwy7 reopening for westbound travellers stranded in #HopeBC.
The highway will reopen in a limited capacity at 5pm. This opening will be limited to westbound traffic only and is only open to passenger vehicles.
Info: https://t.co/q2v5kSUyaC— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 18, 2021
Earlier Wednesday, Highway 7 opened west of Agassiz to single-lane alternating traffic. It is only open to essential travel.
“This is for people who have urgent needs,” Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, emphasized. “People who need to move livestock, people who need to move additional pump equipment to the Sumas Prairie area and the Barrowtown Pump Station.”
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Fleming says access to the highway was critical for the delivery of 40,000 sandbags to the pump station.
“It speaks to the importance of keeping these roads for essential movement only. There was some unnecessary congestion on Highway 7 last night that impeded some of the efforts but we got through it and people were cooperative. But that is why I ask the public to please still avoid that area if your travel is not absolutely essential on the other side of Agassiz.”
Drivers in both directions are advised to expect heavy delays, and being reminded to prepare to stop and watch for crews. for crews.
Related video: Long ride home for those stranded across B.C. after storm
“Please … for the general public, stay away from those areas on Highway 7,” Fleming said. “In fact, as a general rule if you’re safe and secure where you are, we ask you keep any travel in impacted areas in your region to only that which is absolutely essential.”
Commercial vehicles trying to get through Highway 7 between Hope and Agassiz has also opened Thursday at 10 a.m.
“The intent of this opening is to allow those commercial drivers stranded in Hope and area to make their way toward the Lower Mainland,” a statement from the province reads.
“Following this evacuation of commercial vehicles westbound from Hope, Highway 7 will be closed again between Agassiz and Hope so crews can continue to work on the highway. However, emergency services vehicles will continue to have access.”
The ministry hopes to have Highway 7 open to single-lane alternating traffic for all vehicles between Hope and Agassiz later Thursday.
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With files from Nikitha Martins and Matt Coppin
