Work underway on a section of Highway 3 damaged by heavy rain in December 2025. (Image Credit: Ministry of Transportation and Transit / Facebook)

By Victor Kaisar

Highway 3 Repairs

Highway 3 east of Hope could reopen as early as Boxing Day, ministry says

Dec 21, 2025 | 4:37 PM

HOPE, B.C. — The B.C. government says Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park could reopen with a temporary detour as early as Boxing Day this Friday, Dec. 26.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit says temporary repairs at a heavily damaged section of the highway about 42 kilometres east of the Highway 3/5 junction near Hope are progressing well. It notes the highway is expected to reopen with the temporary detour between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

“Contractors are working around the clock to restore the highway and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit is sourcing material and supplies as quickly as possible,” the statement said. “If conditions continue to be favourable, the ministry could potentially open the highway earlier.”

A 50-metre section of Highway 3 was washed away by heavy rain on Dec. 16, and the Ministry previously estimated that it could take several weeks to restore access as crews were working to route the road around the affected slide area.

That estimate has been revised as the Ministry says less construction is needed and that it won’t need to relocate utilities to facilitate the temporary detour.

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“Long-term repairs will require significant design and reconstruction,” the Ministry added. “Drivers will remain on the detour alignment until permanent repairs are completed.”

The temporary detour will have a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h and access may be limited to passenger vehicles only depending on site conditions, the Ministry added.

A total of 22 sites between Hope and Manning Park sustained damage, with “extensive damage” reported at 11 sites. The Ministry said Sunday that work at all other sides affected by recent flooding and slides will be complete by Monday, Dec. 22.

“Until access is restored at the washout site, Sunshine Valley remains accessible from Hope, while Manning Park Resort can be accessed from Highway 3 via Princeton,” the Ministry added, noting checkpoints at Hope and Princeton are set to to remind travellers that there is no through traffic.

You can find the latest on the status of Highway 3 from DriveBC here.