UPDATE 12:08 p.m.
The Coquihalla Highway has reopened in both directions.
✅ CLEAR - #BCHwy5 is now OPEN in both directions between #HopeBC and #Merritt. Drive safely and adjust your speed to match the conditions. #Coquihalla pic.twitter.com/GRx6zPhwkK
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) February 29, 2024
All weather warnings are still in effect.
Original
The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt is closed in both directions on Thursday morning.
Since Wednesday afternoon just before 2:30 p.m., the southbound lanes have been closed due to a vehicle incident. Since 2:40 a.m. on Feb. 29, the highway has been closed in both directions.
⛔REMINDER - #BCHwy5 remains CLOSED in both directions between #HopeBC and #Merritt while crews work to manage road conditions. #Coquihalla
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) February 29, 2024
An alternate route is available via #BCHwy1. Next update at approximately 10 AM.
ℹ️ For more info:https://t.co/TrG18npjQX pic.twitter.com/pYUVRZtmWQ
DriveBC states the highway will reopen around approximately 12 p.m.
The Coquihalla is currently under a winter storm warning, put in place by Environment Canada. After expecting 25-40 cm of snow on Wednesday, the stretch of highway is expecting another five cm on Thursday.
“Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations,” said Environment Canada. “Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.”
The Trans-Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass is also under a winter storm warning while Highway 3 is under a snowfall warning. Snowfall along with heavy winds are expected to taper off on the Coquihalla throughout the day on Thursday but both Highway 3 and the Trans-Canada Highway are expecting another 10-15 cm.
Environment Canada recommends postponing non-essential travel.
READ MORE: Highway 33 reopen following serious collision in Kelowna