Highway 99 reopens between Pemberton and Lillooet

Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet has reopened to essential travel Saturday.

That stretch of highway had been closed since Wednesday evening, just a few hours after reopening to essential travel that same day.

A mudslide shut the road down near Duffy Lake Wednesday night.

However, with its reopening, this route continues to be restricted to essential travel only. Travel restrictions will be enforced through checkpoints.

The BC government says weight restrictions of 14,500 kilograms are also in place, noting commercial vehicles cannot safely cross.

In a statement from the province, it says the highway infrastructure is still vulnerable following recent storms. It also says the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is monitoring the weather on the highway.

“People should be aware that Highway 99 and others could be closed at any time if conditions change,” the statement reads. “Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet is a steep mountainous road with narrow sections and sharp curves.”

Drivers are reminded that B.C.’s winter tires regulations are in effect and are urged to use extreme caution.

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Friday the government is in the planning stages of efforts to open major arteries between the Lower Mainland and the Interior.

“There are currently no flood watches or flood warnings in effect, we appear to be moving into more seasonal cold weather that we are currently used to seeing in early December. With the extreme weather past us we continue to see more stability on our highways network,” Fleming said.