Major delays on Highway 7 between Agassiz and Hope after landslide, serious crash

Posted December 1, 2021 7:12 am.

Last Updated December 1, 2021 10:18 am.

A new landslide has led to more traffic woes after it came down Wednesday morning along Highway 7/Lougheed Highway between Hope and Agassiz.

That is the same stretch where two slides trapped hundreds of motorists on Nov. 14. during B.C.’s first of several major storms.

The route was reopened to essential traffic only and has served as the commercial corridor to access the Lower Mainland since Highway 1 remains closed due to floods.

https://twitter.com/RyanLmark/status/1466089058854002688

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 7 is reopened to single lane alternating traffic, but heavy delays are expected.

Before 9 a.m. a second incident brought traffic to a halt on that route between Mission and Agassiz.

A major crash happened east of the Deroche Bridge west of Kent, and with no detours available between Mission and Agassiz.

The school district in Agassiz and Hope had to cancel school as a result of the highway closures because many of the teachers were not able to get through.

UPDATE – #BCHwy7 CLOSED due to a vehicle incident east of the #Deroche bridge, 7km West of #KentBC. Assessment in progress. No detour available. #Agassiz #MissionBC #HarrisonMillsBC
More information: https://t.co/dR7zB4otZD pic.twitter.com/HN7LchlrJm

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 1, 2021

⚠️#BCHwy7 Landslide east of Maria Slough Bridge has the highway CLOSED in both directions at #Seabird. Crews on scene. Assessment in progress.⚠️

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 1, 2021

On Monday, the province reopened Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, as well as Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet to essential travel only “after they were cleaned up and confirmed to be safe for travel.”

B.C.’s highways have been heavily impacted due a series of storms, and with another weather warning in place Wednesday, motorists should be advised to be prepared for any additional closures.

On Tuesday, B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming once again urged people not to travel unless it’s absolutely essential.

If needed, Fleming says the province will preemptively close more highways.

“With the ground already extremely saturated and heavy rains expected, proactive closures may be needed to ensure the safety of the travelling public,” he said. “We don’t take these decisions lightly but the current conditions are not typical and we need to keep everyone’s safety at the forefront. We’ll certainly provide as much notice as possible if this is required,” Fleming said.

Commercial truck drivers and other essential vehicles are advised to be patient, slow down, and drive to current conditions.