Crews applying a seal coat to the gravel road surface, 11 kilometres east of Spences Bridge, in late October (Image credit: B.C. Government).

By Aaron Schulze

Highway 8

Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge reopens after year-long closure

Nov 9, 2022 | 11:45 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — After a 361-day closure, Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge is open to all vehicle traffic.

The B.C. government says while temporary repairs are complete following the Nov. 14, 2021 atmospheric river event, Highway 8 remains an active construction zone. The province says crews are continuing to install roadside barriers, place large rocks to stabilize road embankments, and process rock to undertake permanent repairs along the corridor.

However, the reopening means residents within the Thompson Nicola Regional District and the Nooaitch, Shackan and Cook’s Ferry First Nations, along with forestry and mining industries, can reconnect.

According to the province, more than 25 sections and seven kilometres of Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge were washed out, and sections of the Nicola River were rerouted during heavy rains and flooding during the atmospheric river event.

Some sections of Highway 8 have reduced speed limits and different surface materials, such as sections of gravel road, that make the highway unsuitable for motorcycles. The province says ongoing construction will lead to delays and intermittent closures.

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Since Highway 8 is still a construction zone, the province says it would not be a suitable detour option should the Trans Canada Highway or Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) be closed. In either event, access to the highway would be limited to residents.