Google Maps says the Coquihalla is closed until August… it’s not

Despite repeatedly trying to get Google’s attention, DriveBC continues its frustrated attempts at trying to set the record straight: The Coquihalla is not closed until August, despite what the popular maps app says.

Google Maps has, in some cases, erroneously reported that sections of Highway 5 have been shut for the past few months. The entire highway reopened after catastrophic flooding in January, after repairs were made.

If you plug in a destination that requires you take the Coquihalla, it may not say the popular route is closed — the closure reports seem to be random.

However, it’s happened enough to compel DriveBC to try to clarify.

“We’re big fans of @Google maps, but it sometimes makes mistakes! Currently it’s inaccurately listing #BCHwy5 closed between #HopeBC & #Merritt. The #Coquihalla is OPEN,” the Ministry of Transportation agency said in a tweet Wednesday, repeating similar posts over the past few months.

This latest communication also included a plea to Google for help in resolving the matter, to no avail, it seems.

@GMapsPlatform able to help sort this out?

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 6, 2022

DriveBC took to Twitter on June 30 too to attempt at getting the issue fixed.

“.@Googlemaps is a great resource but has been causing some confusion! On occasion, it labels, incorrectly, a highway as closed: is now doing this with the #Coquihalla / #BCHwy5,” the tweet reads.

The closure notices, when they appear, say the Coquihalla is closed until August.

While the issue has been ongoing, it now coincides with the busy summer travel season, when many people head to or from the interior for a break.

Over the Canada Day long weekend, traffic on Highway 5 southbound was brought to a crawl, with hours-long delays reported amid heavy volumes between Hope and Merritt.

#BCHwy5 SB Travel advisory to expect delays of up to 2 hours due to congestion and heavy traffic volumes between #MerritBC and #HopeBC. Allow extra travel time, or consider alternate route. #Coquihalla #LongWeekend
For more information: https://t.co/Lbu6gFkwSC pic.twitter.com/OxlcLswBLb

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 3, 2022

In a statement to CityNews, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is encouraging people to check the DriveBC website and Twitter feed for information about B.C. roads.

“Google Maps, which is not linked to ministry information sources and may rely on data such as cell phone pings, can display incorrect information,” it adds.

You can also listen to CityNews for traffic updates every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @CityNewsTraffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

CityNews has reached out to Google for comment.