Permanent repairs to Othello section of Coquihalla Hwy start next month

Collapsed sections of bridges destroyed by severe flooding and landslides on the Coquihalla Highway north of Hope, B.C., are seen in an aerial view from a Canadian Forces reconnaissance flight on November 22, 2021. Canada's emergency preparedness minister Bill Blair says Ottawa is providing $870 million, with more to come, to support recovery efforts after destructive flooding in British Columbia last fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Posted July 28, 2022 9:17 pm.

Last Updated July 28, 2022 9:19 pm.

After a massive storm damaged several sections of B.C.’s primary highway last year, the province announced Thursday that permanent repairs are on the way.

Beginning at the start of August, the Othello section of the Coquihalla Highway 5 will begin and will be repaired to a “more significant standard,” according to a release from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“This marks another milestone in our recovery from the atmospheric river events that severely damaged our highway infrastructure last fall,” Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said.

In November, 2021, flooding and washouts damaged more than 20 sites along 130 kilometres of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt. This included seven bridges where spans collapsed or were severely damaged.

A contract worth $4.6 million has been awarded to Emil Anderson and the Chawathil First Nation for this section of the Coquihalla, approximately three kilometres north of the Highway 3 and 5 junction.

“We’re working quickly to build permanent infrastructure back at a better, more climate-resilient standard that will protect the movement of people and goods through our province. I am pleased that this contract is a joint venture that includes the Chawathil First Nation.”

Chief Rhoda Peters of the Chawathil First Nation said they are proud to be a part of the project, adding that participating in work and development within the Nation’s traditional territory shows that Chawathil is moving ahead with business opportunities.

“So many highways, railways, pipelines and hydro lines cut through our lands without agreements with our leaders. Today, our Nation is able to sit at the table and work together as the future unfolds at a fast pace before us. We are grateful for all the hard work put forth by our economic development co-ordinator, Monica Florence, as she put in a lot of work and effort to help us track this milestone. Siam’lomet,” Peters said.

The department says all efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours, however delays are expected throughout the highway.

For updates, travellers are encouraged to check the Drive BC website.

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