B.C. ‘cautiously optimistic’ CP railways could reopen Tuesday after floods

The provincial government of B.C. expects rail lines to be up and running again by as early as Tuesday evening, a full week after an atmospheric river dumped an entire month’s worth of rain on B.C. in a matter of hours, washing out roads and tracks.

Thousands of people remain displaced due to flooding, major routes in and out of the Lower Mainland continue to be blocked due to mudslides and crumbled infrastructure, and supply chain issues have led to some gas stations running dry.

“CP Rail is cautiously optimistic in restart operations tomorrow evening, barring any unforeseen events,” Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Monday. “They are making tremendous progress on repairing track that will connect us right through to the Alberta border and with the rest of Canada.”

“It is reassuring that the important goods that we are all rely on are moving and this is very very good news. As we reactivate the supply chains, we continue to work closely with other levels of government as well as many companies and organizations.”

WATCH: B.C. brings in gas restrictions in wake of historic floods

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the province is also working with the federal government on ways to support people who need employment insurance because they are out of work due to the floods.

“We’re now asking for the one week waiting period to be waived as well,” he said.

Q would prov consider making transit free during gas shortages ?@mikefarnworthbc looking at nine days for this shortage. Think measures in place are appropriate. (So, no. Transit won't be free.)#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 22, 2021

Non-essential travel restrictions remain in place for hard-hit sections of Highway 99, Highway 3, and Highway 7.

On Monday afternoon, a new washout closed Highway 3 again between Hope and Princeton for several hours. Fleming says the decision to close the route again was made out of an abundance of caution, adding tension cracks were detected. The roadway later reopened to a single-lane alternating.

Not a washout but precaution seeing tension cracks – @Rob_Fleming says of what led to the decision to close the stretch of Hwy 3 that was reopened on Friday.#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 22, 2021

Fleming says people who must use the route are urged to be patient and slow down in the winter conditions.

“We will be adding some signage to the Highway 3 and Highway 99 routes, further reminding drivers to slow down and drive with caution. There are work crews in the area and these are congested areas that that are still under repair and under active traffic management.”

The minister wasn’t able to say Monday how long the Coquihalla Highway will remain closed, other than it will “be some time.”

“We fully understand how important the Coquihalla is to our province for east-west travel and, in particular, for the movement of goods. Work is getting underway on temporary repairs and construction access that will allow traffic to start moving and while plans are also being prepared for permanent rebuilds at multiple sites, we don’t yet have clear timelines there beyond many weeks for the temporary work and many, many months for the permanent repairs.”

Fleming says he hopes to have more details in the coming days.

The government previously estimated it could take months before the Coquihalla could reopen with temporary fixes, and even longer before permanent repairs could be complete.

If you don’t have to travel, don’t travel @mikefarnworthbc says with many highways out/under repair and more rain coming. #bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 22, 2021

On Saturday, Highway 1 reopened to traffic between Bridal Falls and Hope. The route is not part of the provincial travel restrictions, but Fleming is urging people to think hard about whether they really need to use that highway.

“We are asking drivers to really consider whether being out on that road is is truly essential. We do not want it to become congested,” he said.

Merritt water treatment plant back on line @mikefarnworthbc says.#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 22, 2021

Farnworth adds the water treatment plant in Merritt is back online and he’s hopeful people can return to that community soon.

“There are pockets of properties which have been flooded and rapid, rapid damage assessments are happening now. It is vital that people listen to their local authorities and only return when it is safe to do so. If there’s flood damage to your home, ensure you’re following all advice on returning home safely after a flood from your local government.”

The flooding has led to at least five people’s deaths and the loss of tens of thousands of farm animals. Floodwaters have affected 25,000 hectares of farmland, 15,000 hectares of which is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve. Still, Farnworth says there is reason for hope.

“The Sumas dike breach [in Abbotsford] has been patched, the Barrowtown Pump Station is once again moving water into the Fraser River, and vital connections between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province are starting to reopen.”

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• Abbotsford floodgates fully open, state of emergency extended

• British Columbians urged to stop panic buying amid supply chain issues

Farnworth adds there are countless stories of people working hard to help their neighbours.

“In Princeton, volunteers are going door to door to help with the clean-up efforts, and Fortis has restored gas to 1,150 homes in that community, with about just over another 100 needing to be reconnected. In Lillooett, the community’s friendship centre has provided shelter and warm meals for dozens of stranded travelers.”