Aerial view of a damaged section of Highway 5 in the North Thompson. (Image Credit: Emil Anderson Maintenance - Robson)

By Victor Kaisar

Highway 5 Flooding

Large section of Highway 5 north in the North Thompson washed away by flooding Saturday

Jun 2, 2025 | 11:45 AM

BLUE RIVER, B.C. — The highway maintenance contractor in the North Thompson says work to assess the repairs needed on a section of Highway 5 that was damaged by flooding over the weekend is underway, but there is no estimated time when work will be completed.

“Crews are actively assessing and working on the flooded areas along Highway 5 to ensure everyone’s safety,” Emil Anderson Maintenance (EAM) – Robson said in a statement on Facebook.

“Please watch for crews, equipment, and flaggers in the area.”

In an update, DriveBC said there was a single lane of alternating traffic near the Allan Creek Recreation Site, located 36 kilometres south of Valemount. It also said the right passing lane on Highway 5 southbound was closed at the Chappell Creek Rec Site, 30 km north of Blue River.

The highway had been closed to all traffic since about 8:15 p.m. Saturday (May 31) night and traffic began flowing again shortly after 7:15 p.m. last night.

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A picture shared on social media by Emil Anderson Maintenance Monday showed a large section of the highway shoulder and portions of a driving lane missing.

In a statement to CFJC Today Sunday, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit said heavy rain combined with seasonal run-off caused both Chappell Creek and Allen Creek to overflow on Saturday.

“Approximately 1.4 kilometres of Highway 5 saw damage to the ditch, shoulder and road surface at the two locations,” the ministry said. “A third location at Lempriere saw mud and debris come onto the road.”

In their statement, EAM also says there are speed reductions in place along the affected stretch of highway.

“We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this time,” the statement added.

DriveBC expects to have another update at 10:00 Tuesday (June 3). You can find the latest updates here.