Snowy conditions halting traffic on mountain highway passes near Merritt

MERRITT, B.C. — Treacherous road conditions have impacted traffic on a pair of mountain highway passes around the City of Merritt.

DriveBC first reported of a vehicle incident on the Okanagan Connector east of the Highway 5A junction at around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 28). A photo posted to social media shows a semi-truck flipped over, halting traffic in both directions on the stretch of Highway 97C.

In an update shortly before 7:30 a.m., DriveBC said the right eastbound lane is closed for vehicle recovery, meaning traffic is flowing once again.

Further north, drivers are told to expect delays on Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake. DriveBC first reported of a multi-vehicle incident between Beech Road and Rey Lake Road south of Mamette Lake at around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday.

“Emergency crews are on scene and en route, along with traffic control. Use caution in the area,” DriveBC states.

Another update is due at 11:00 a.m.

A low-pressure system is bringing cold and unstable airmass to central and southern B.C.

DriveBC webcams show snowy conditions on the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops to Merritt, the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna and Highways 97C and 97D near Logan Lake.

Highway 97C at Highland Valley Road between Merritt and Ashcroft, looking north. (Image Credit: DriveBC)

Highway 5 at Exit 336 Logan Lake/Lac le Jeune Road, looking southbound along Highway 5. (Image Credit: DriveBC)