Home for the holidays? B.C. set to reopen two highways to non-essential travel
Posted December 16, 2021 7:34 am.
Last Updated December 16, 2021 11:37 am.
More than a month after southern B.C.’s major highways were rendered unusable due to catastrophic damage, recreational trips between the Lower Mainland and the Interior are set to begin again within days.
B.C. Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming made the surprise announcement on Wednesday that the non-essential travel restrictions on Highway 3 and Highway 99 will be lifted after the Coquihalla/Highway 5 is slated to reopen to commercial traffic this upcoming Monday.
On Dec. 21, Highway 99 will reconnect recreational trips between Pemberton and Lillooet, and Highway 3 will allow travel between Hope and Princeton once again.
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Fleming says crews have been working tirelessly to accomplish the incredible feat of repairing the Coquihalla, which has been closed between Hope and Merritt since Nov. 14.
It’s expected once the Coquihalla is reopened to commercial traffic, the vast majority of truckers will be using that shorter route, leading to a lot less congestion on Highway 3.
The southern route begins at Hope, and leads to Princeton, where motorists can continue east along the route or take Highway 5A, or Highway 97 to avoid all the ongoing closures.
It will also allow access to many ski resorts and tourism-reliant communities which have been without vital visits for weeks.
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Many people expressed their relief over the announcement, calling it perfect timing just ahead of the holidays.
“I’m excited. I live in Kamloops actually so I was hoping to go visit family for Christmas,” a woman told CityNews in Vancouver Wednesday.
Another woman said, “I have a friend who has a relative in Calgary who is wanting to come for Christmas, so that’s exciting.”
Cheering could be heard all along Highway 3 after Minister Fleming announced Highway 5 is opening on December 20. https://t.co/ndlYhcz9iS
— Mondee Reindeer ???? (@MondeeRedman) December 15, 2021
“While this increased mobility is clearly good news, we’re advising people to use extreme caution on Highway 3. It’s a safe route, as long as people are prepared, responsible, and drive to the conditions — but it’s a mountainous route. It has steep grades, it has winding curves and the weather and road conditions can change quite quickly,” Fleming said.
The highway has seen a number of fatal crashes in the last month, since it became the only route after Highway 1 and Highway 5 became heavily damaged in the floods.
Many have expressed concerns about the safety of that route, and the province says it was rolling out a new campaign to educate drivers on the hazards and the importance of respecting the speed limit.
“For those of you who do need to drive you must have good winter tires, you should pack food and blankets have a fully charged cell phone. Take some of those precautions and be prepared to be patient.”
@DriveBC highway 3 pic.twitter.com/WXYOVIY5nK
— Ryan (@rpitchertweets) December 15, 2021
Bus trips already booking fast
Fleming notes there are alternatives to driving for people thinking of taking a trip, including extra flights and inter-city buses.
Greyhound Canada cut its bus routes in Western Canada in 2018, and among the companies now offering service in its place is Ebus.
The company has routes connecting Salmon Arm, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Vancouver, and is set to amp up service this holiday season.
Spokesperson John Stepovy says it’s important to book a ticket as soon as possible, because they are anticipating the buses to fill up, even though the company is increasing capacity.
He also says passengers should be prepared that they could be in for a longer trip.
“We are advising people to be cognizant that it’s going to be a nearly opened highway on Monday and there could be some delays in certain areas,” he said.
“Fresh reopening, there will be a number of different types of vehicles on the road, and not just us but the truckers handling essential freight – we all need to be extra cautious,” he said.
After the floods closed travel through the interior, many have noticed a jump in airline ticket prices. Flying on Dec. 20 between Vancouver and Kelowna will cost about $700 for the hour-long trip.
But Stepovy says they aren’t going to change the cost of the $80 bus ticket, regardless of the demand or holiday season.
Federal rules do not require passengers be immunized to ride a bus, but COVID-19 precautions are in place and masks are mandatory.
With files from Lisa Steacy.
