Rain-related B.C. highway closures remain in effect
Posted November 27, 2021 11:53 am.
Last Updated November 28, 2021 1:03 pm.
Several highways connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior remain closed Sunday.
These routes, previously open to essential traffic only, shut down Saturday afternoon due to the risks posed by incoming heavy rain. The closures are in effect on Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon and between Popkum and Hope, Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, and Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.
There is no estimated time of reopening.
Planned closures to occur on the following #BCHwys due to potential #BCStorm impacts
2pm
#BCHwy3, #HopeBC to #PrincetonBC#BCHwy1 in the Fraser Canyon & between #Popkum & Hope
4pm
#BCHwy99, #Pemberton to #LillooetMore info here: https://t.co/uW4qfMA7Yq
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 27, 2021
A statement from the province says these routes were closed “proactively” because “the highway infrastructure in these areas is extremely vulnerable following recent storm events.”
When flooding first hit the region mid-month, dozens of vehicles became trapped between slides. Hundreds of people, including about 50 kids, spent a cold night in their cars.
Beyond what the province is hoping to be a very temporary closure on these routes, a travel restriction is in place. Whenever the route is reopened, only essential trips will be allowed along Highway 99 and Highway 3, as well as Highway 7 between Mission and Hope. While Highway 1 is not included in the restrictions, the province has asked people to slow down and reconsider if they need to travel along Highway 1 through Abbotsford.
Fuel restrictions are in effect in B.C., limiting most drivers to 30 litres per fill until at least next week. Fleming says the gas rationing is “working quite well.”
With files from Denise Wong
