Crews have managed to clear three lanes of Highway 1 east of Chilliwack after three mudslides earlier in the week caused extensive delays.
The highway is now open to two lanes westbound and one lane eastbound on a stretch that had seen mud and debris five metres deep near Bridal Falls.
Twenty-five pieces of heavy equipment – six excavators, eight tandem dump trucks, three large rock trucks, two water trucks, one bulldozer, three front-end loaders, one hydrovac and one sweeper – were used to cleanup to remove mud, trees, rocks and debris that covered both lanes of the highway.
Approximately 17,000 cubic metres of material covered both the eastbound and westbound lanes following heavy rains Wednesday night.
The maintenance contractor will remain on site with a single lane closure, rebuilding the shoulders and working to clear the significant amount of debris that remains alongside the highway. Motorists are advised to expect delays and watch for traffic personnel and flaggers in the area.
More heavy weather is expected throughout Sunday, with a snowfall warning issued for the Coquihalla.
The highways ministry will provide an update when all lanes have been reopened.
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