Vital road link between Interior and Coast reopens

A road link connecting British Columbia’s Interior and Lower Mainland has been restored, but only on a limited basis.

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming told a news conference Friday, Highway 3, from Hope to Princeton, reopened today for the movement of essential goods and services.

“This will re-establish a vital link allowing for the movement of essential goods and services to and from the Lower Mainland,” said Fleming. “And I cannot overstate how appreciative I am of everybody who has been involved in this incredible effort, the crews, to get this open. They have been going around the clock.”

Fleming emphasized the route is not open to recreational or non-essential travel at this time, just for activities like the commercial transport of goods, moving essential supplies and for transporting livestock and supplies.

From Hope, drivers can use Highway 7 through Agassiz to gain access into the Metro Vancouver area.

Drivers should expect sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 7 and three sections of single-lane alternating traffic on Highway 3 east of Hope. Delays will be significant, given the amount of essential goods to be delivered and the many people eager to complete their trips home.

Checkpoints will be in place and travel restrictions will be enforced.

The transportation minister added Highway 99, from Pemberton to Lillooet, looks like it could reopen by Sunday, also for restricted travel.

Click here for more on the travel and fuel restrictions.