Minister reports progress on reopening highways

B.C.’s Transportation Minister is reporting progress on clearing and repairing several highways damaged by what he called “the worst weather storm of the century.”

Rob Fleming told a news conference Wednesday, Highway 3, the Hope-Princeton, is on track to reopen by the end of this weekend for emergency access with efforts ongoing to restore full traffic on that route.

That would restore a road link between the Interior and Lower Mainland.

Fleming said his ministry should have a projected reopening date for Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet later today.

“This is a huge job, but collectively we are up to the challenge and we will get things opened up again just as soon as we possibly can,” the minister stated about all of the repair projects.

Highway 7 west of Agassiz has reopened for essential travel only with single lane traffic for urgent things like moving livestock and pump equipment.

Fleming said his ministry was able to get a look at the impacts of the storm, and his staff is putting together specific repair plans for sites with significant damage.

“We are working on this focus with multiple partners,” Fleming explained. “People and companies are really stepping up. CN Rail has been exceptionally helpful moving people and goods by helicopter while work continues to open their rail lines. The BC Trucking Association has been hugely supportive of our efforts to find alternate routes, as well as working with the province and federal government to facilitate goods moving through the United States.”

Fleming said travel restrictions will be implemented on some roads like Highway 3 to make it clear for restricted traffic like trucks, emergency vehicles and heavy equipment to clean up the routes.

The minister also thanked the people who are doing ‘incredible heavy lifting” in extremely challenging conditions.

“People are helping strangers who have been stranded, providing food and shelter, search and rescue volunteers are battling fatigue and continuing to do their job to keep people safe.”

Fleming also thanked government staff, road maintenance contractors, federal and local government departments and fire departments for their “amazing efforts.”