UPDATE 5:15 p.m.
Highway 3 is open to two-lane traffic and no road closures are anticipated Tuesday.
In response to request from the Keremeos Review for an update on Highway 3 the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure stated crews are monitoring the road closely.
“Ministry staff are continuing to monitor Highway 3 west of Keremeos, as flood waters from the Similkameen River remain high. The road remains open to two-lane traffic at this time, and we do not anticipate any closures today. However, future closures may occur without notice if water levels increase and travel is deemed unsafe.
We ask that drivers use caution when traveling through this area. There has been a significant number of flooding events in the region, and as of this morning, the ministry is tracking more than 200 sites in the southern interior, with 34 road closures due to flooding.
We appreciate peoples’ patience as we work to maintain the safest roads and highways possible. Drivers should continue to check DriveBC.ca for the most up-to-date highways information.
For the latest side road closures due to wash out in the southern interior, please go to: https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/.”
ORIGINAL:
Water is starting to come across Highway 3 between Keremeos and Hedley but as of Tuesday early afternoon it was coming from higher elevations not the river.
At about 1 p.m. a portion of Highway 3 about 10 kilometres east of Hedley had water flowing over it. An Argo truck was on scene. The road was open. The water looked to be coming from higher elevations and running a long two portion of the highway. The water was only a few inches high.
At that time, Highway 3 near Riverside RV park was completely dry. The work undertaken last week was holding and the pool along the north side continues to evaporate.
Related: Prepare now for Highway 3 to close when river rises
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has advised that Highway 3 may need to be shut if the Similkameen River breaches its banks in low lying areas.
As a precautionary measure the school board has decided not to run a school bus to Hedley until after the long weekend.
Residents who have mobility issues, health problems or regularly need to go to health appointments have been encouraged to self-evacuate.
All motorists are advised to check DriveBC for updates and expect road conditions to change at anytime.
