Highway 99 still closed after rockslide, latest in B.C. in recent days

A series of recent rockslides in B.C. have left motorists stranded for hours, often days, and in some cases, have been fatal.

Highway 99 near Lillooet has been closed since Sunday night due to a rockslide between Lil’wat Place and Seton Lake Road.

The route, which is often called Duffey Lake Road, will be closed until at least Tuesday, according to DriveBC.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Transportation said that blasting of an overhanging section of the rock slope would need to be done in order to clear the route, there is no estimated time of reopening.

Highway 99 was closed in both directions on Sunday due to a rockslide, there was no estimated time of reopening as of Tuesday morning. (Credit: DriveBC)

“March is the most active month for rockfall activity. Historically, rockfall activity in March is two to three times more active due to precipitation and frequent freeze/thaw cycles that occur at this time of year,” the Ministry said in an email to CityNews.

Adding that “rockfall is common throughout this area based on its topography.”

Fatal rockslide last week

The area has seen several slides in recent months, including a fatal rockslide on Feb. 28 north of Lillooet along Highway 40. Rocks hit the cab of a vehicle, killing the commercial truck driver. The road was closed overnight due to concerns there could be more slides. It reopened March 1.

Road crews were called to Highway 99 on Sunday after massive boulders came down along the vital route. Courtesy: Dawson Road Maintenance – Cariboo

Highway 1 fatal rock fall

In eastern B.C., rocks fell from the cliffs above along the Trans Canada Highway east of Golden, crushing one person Friday afternoon.

First responders were able to pull the person out of the vehicle and they were sent to hospital in critical condition. But Golden-Field RCMP confirmed to CityNews they died in hospital the next day.

“As far as we can tell, the victim did nothing wrong and it was an unfortunate isolated event,” Const. Kat Robinson said.

The route reopened just a few hours after the slide.

Families still grieving November’s fatal mudslide

In November, five people were killed in a mudslide along Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet after the province was hit by historic flooding.

Mirsad and Anita Hadzic have been identified by loved ones as two of the people killed in the Highway 99 mudslide between Pemberton and Lillooet. A fundraiser has been set up for their little girl. (Courtesy GoFundMe)

The body of one of the deceased remains missing.

The “Bring Brett Home” online fundraiser says Brett Diederichs was swept away in the November fatal mudslide on Highway 99, his body has not been found. (Credit: GoFundMe)

An online fundraiser called “Bring Brett Home” identifies the victim as Brett Diederichs, who was swept away in the slide. The fundraiser has already raised $100,000 for his family and girlfriend.