Work to repair flood-damaged section of Highway 5 in the North Thompson underway

Jun 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The highway maintenance contractor in the North Thompson says work to repair a section of Highway 5 that was damaged by flooding last weekend has officially begun.

“Crews and equipment have officially begun the long road to recovery, working tirelessly to repair and restore infrastructure damaged during last weekend’s flooding events,” Emil Anderson Maintenance said in an update on social media Friday (June 6) morning.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to all the crews and emergency response teams for their continued dedication and hard work.”

There is a single lane of alternating traffic near the Allan Creek Recreation Site, located 36 kilometres south of Valemount. The right passing lane on Highway 5 southbound is also closed at the Chappell Creek Rec Site, 30 kilometres north of Blue River.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit previously told CFJC Today that heavy rain combined with seasonal run-off caused both Chappell Creek and Allen Creek to overflow on Saturday (May 31).

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“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.”

The ministry said its engineers and contractor crews responded to area “as soon as it was safe to do so.”

“Crews worked to control the water, remove debris and reopen the highway to single lane alternating traffic,” the ministry told CFJC Today Friday. “A damage assessment has been completed, and repair work has begun.”

“The ministry will work with its maintenance contractor to fully reopen the highway as quickly as possible.”

While delays are to be expected in the North Thompson, the ministry also said it anticipates that two-way traffic will be restored by this summer, though its not clear when that might be.

“We kindly ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as recovery operations continue,” the statement from Emil Anderson Maintenance added. “For your safety, please adhere to all local advisories, detour signs and emergency instructions.”

by Victor Kaisar

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Work to repair flood-damaged section of Highway 5 in the North Thompson underway

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