Merritt – MAY 23 745 AM UPDATE – Northbound lanes of Coquihalla now open south of Merritt after being closed all day yesterday. Southbound lanes are open with speed reductions as crews continue their clean up.
MAY 22 ORIGINAL STORY – The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt is expected to remain closed in both directions well into the evening, and possibly overnight, following an incident involving a burning semi-trailer truck carrying dangerous goods.
Ministry crews and VSA Highway Maintenance are working with the Ministry of Environment, Transport Canada and a hazardous materials team to contain the situation.
Today is traditionally one of the Coquihalla’s busiest days of the year with as many as 25,000 vehicles travelling this stretch of highway.
Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes, check DriveBC for updates, drive to conditions while exercising caution and expect major delays.
The ministry thanks drivers for their patience on this Victoria Day holiday. To check up-to-date travel information, closures and detours, click on the links below before your trip:
DriveBC: www.drivebc.ca
DriveBC on mobile: http://www.drivebc.ca/mobile/
