Highway 5, southbound at Zopkios Rest Area, near the Coquihalla Summit, looking southwest (DriveBC).
Coquihalla Watch

Coquihalla Highway re-opens in both directions after late night vehicle incidents

Apr 5, 2022 | 5:03 AM

UPDATE (7:30 p.m.): DriveBC reports that the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt re-opened in both directions.

Drivers are told to expect delays, and be cautious in the area as they watch for crews and traffic control.

EARLIER: MERRITT, B.C. — The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt remains closed in both directions as of early Tuesday (April 5) morning with no estimated time of re-opening.

DriveBC first told drivers heading north on the stretch of Highway 5 to expect major delays near 8 p.m. Monday (April 4) due to multiple vehicle incidents. The delays evolved into a closure of the northbound lanes minutes later. DriveBC announced the southbound lanes were closed after 10 p.m. Monday due to vehicle incidents.

The Coquihalla Highway is in the final day of a winter storm warning issued by Environment Canada over the weekend. The weather agency forecasts an additional 10 to 15 centimetres of snow up until Tuesday afternoon before snow tapers off.

Drivers are asked to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult, as visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Weather in the mountains can also change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

More to come.