Drivers line up ahead of Highway 1 reopening, police say to go home
Posted November 25, 2021 9:21 am.
Last Updated November 25, 2021 11:23 am.
After the province announced a vital corridor connecting B.C. to the interior would reopen, there have been several motorists reportedly keen to be first in line.
Highway 1 was extensively damaged in the Fraser Valley by record-breaking rainfall, which has left the Sumas Prairie in Abbotsford under evacuation orders.
Police say they are encountering some issues at Highway 1 road checks eastbound in Abbotsford and westbound in Chilliwack as people try to get through for the first time in a week.
“People are showing up there expecting to go through and at this time we just want to advise the public that the highway remains closed until the ministry makes a decision to open it,” said Cpl. Mike Halskov with the BC Highway Patrol.
“We encourage all motorists right now to stay off the highway,” he added.
We're making good progress towards being able to re-open Hwy 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Further updates will be available tomorrow.
For up-to-date information on major highway closures and re-openings, remember to check https://t.co/Xa2DUUxbwq or @DriveBC@TranBC
— Rob Fleming (@Rob_Fleming) November 25, 2021
“We don’t want people to show up there expecting to get through and sitting there waiting and waiting unnecessarily and burning fuel which is valuable right now,” Halskov said, referencing the current gas restrictions on the South Coast.
He says he doesn’t know just how long the lines are and without a timeline announced for reopening, it’s unclear how long drivers could be waiting.
“We know that people in this region need to travel around this will provide significant relief and we will keep people updated on that estimated time of opening,” B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Wednesday.
Fleming said the reopening would rely on the weather. A storm is sweeping over the Lower Mainland Thursday, with heavy rain and wind expected until Friday.
Even when Highway 1 does reopen, motorists will only be able to travel east as far as Bridal Falls, where that route is only open to essential travel.
We remind motorists roads are not open to reach Abbotsford from Yarrow. Regions west of Yarrow – Boundary Road and south of Highway #1 – remain closed by high water levels. Please plan an alternate route. #Chilliwack #Abbotsford #DriveBC pic.twitter.com/2O9ua4mOPO
— Upper Fraser Valley RCMP (@UFVRD_RCMP) November 24, 2021
