Coquihalla highway back to four lane capacity

Snowfall on the highway from Hope to Merritt. (Ministry of Transportation)

By Astrid Agbayani

Posted December 16, 2022 5:15 pm.

The Coquihalla highway (Highway 5) is now back to its full four lane capacity, just over a year after it was heavily damaged in last year’s atmospheric river.

Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming says the reopening is a momentous event.

“By reopening the Coquihalla to four lanes, we’re increasing safety and reducing congestion. This is great news for people, industry and the provincial economy as we head into another busy travel season,” Fleming said in a media release.

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The highway was closed in November of 2021, when rains washed out more than 20 sites along the 130 km road between Hope and Merrit. The damage also included seven bridges.

The ministry says three temporary bridges have been completed, while construction work on permanent repairs will continue throughout 2023.

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