The road to Telegraph Creek has opened, but only for all-wheel drivers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Highway 51 has been closed for more than a week after a rockslide blocked the only access road to Telegraph Creek around 9 a.m. on Nov. 5.
Crews and geotechnical engineers have been on scene since then, 19 kilometres east of Telegraph Creek, removing piles of debris and assessing the situation daily.
With no access or detour available into the community, a helicopter was able to deliver groceries and supplies to residents, according to the ministry. Communication and BC Hydro lines for Telegraph Creek remain open.
Work to clear the road is being done during daylight hours only because of site challenges and crew safety, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
The slide is located on a steep, narrow section of Telegraph Creek Road, which makes it more challenging for crews to safely operate heavy equipment.
“Because the slope remains unstable, the road cannot yet be fully reopened,” a ministry spokesperson says.
The ministry says they are coordinating daily limited road openings with the Tahltan, Emergency Management BC, emergency services and other agencies, while examining all short and long-term options to make sure the road is safe for area residents to use.
There is a weather notification with heavy rain and strong winds forecasted for this weekend. The ministry says it will be monitoring the slide over the weekend and developing a long term solution over the next few weeks.
READ MORE: Vehicle extricated from rock slide on Hwy 16, occupants unhurt
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