UPDATE Jan. 23 6 a.m.
The Northbound lane of the Coquihalla has been re-opened, with the avalanche debris being cleared.
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UPDATE Jan. 22 6 a.m.
The north-bound lane of the Coquihalla remains closed as crews have yet to get the upper hand on a late-night rockslide.
A Geo Tech Assessment is in progress for the rockslide that occurred 3.5 km South of Merritt and it’s unclear when the lane will open. An update is expected at 9 a.m.
DriveBC reports that one lane has re-opened, however. The vehicle incident at Exit 286, south of Merritt was cleared by 5: 05 a.m. Monday morning.
ROCKSLIDE
Snow is also expected to be an issue along the route. Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for the Coquihalla, between Hope and Merritt.
Snowfall, with total amounts of 25 to 30 centimetres is expected.
A moist southwest flow brought heavy snow to the Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt last night with accumulations of 20 cm reported. Another band of heavy flurries is expected to bring an additional five to 10 cm this morning before the snow eases to scattered flurries late this morning.
Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult.
ORIGINAL STORY Jan. 22 12:43 a.m.
The Coquihalla is closed from Hope to Merritt due to a rockslide in the northbound lanes and a vehicle incident in the southbound lanes.
A geo-tech assessment is in progress, for the rockslide.
Southbound lanes are estimated to reopen about 4 a.m.
However, there is no estimated time of reopening for the northbound lanes, which could mean an overnight closure.
A detour is available via Highway 1 and the next update from DriveBC will be at 9 a.m., for northbound traffic.
RELATED: Coquihalla drivers prepare for snow
The rockslide occurred sometime around 8 p.m. and a snowfall warning was in effect for Highway 5.
More to come.
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