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UPDATE: Coquihalla fully reopens

A number of major routes are closed because of avalanche concerns, snow, freezing rain and multiple accidents.
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Motorists have been stuck on the Coquihalla since Thursday night.

UPDATE: 2:15 p.m.

The Coquihalla has finally reopened in both directions after extreme winter weather and multiple accidents forced its closure.

According to DriveBC, the highway reopened to traffic in both directions shortly after 2 p.m.

“Drive with extreme caution and drive to conditions,” warns DriveBC. “Stay below 80 km/h keeping speed appropriate for conditions.”

Motorists are urged to watch for disabled vehicles and make way for emergency, maintenance and CVSE vehicles.

“No vehicle should pass a working snowplow,” adds DriveBC.

“Motorists are reminded to obey direction from Traffic Control Peronnel, RCMP and CVSE who will be on site.”

For more information on driving in winter conditions, click here.

For up to date details on highway conditions and road closures check DriveBC.

You can also monitor Environment Canada for alerts, warnings and updated forecasts.

Send your best news tips, photos and video by hovering over the Home tab and clicking Contact Us.

 

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ORIGINAL

Getting in or out of Southern Interior continues to be a challenge Friday morning.

As of 12:30 p.m. Friday, a number of major routes are closed because of avalanche concerns, snow, freezing rain and multiple accidents.

The impacted routes include:

Highway 5 - Coquihalla

  • Closed from Hope to Merritt due to vehicle incident. The estimated time of opening is 2 p.m. Multiple accidents were reported along that stretch of highway.
  • "Opening time will be 2 PM at the latest. Crews are working to clear the highway as quickly as possible VSA," writes DriveBC.
  • Highway maintenance crews are delivering supplies to motorists stuck on the highway

Trans-Canada Highway:

  • Travel Advisory in effect between Craigalachie to Alberta border. Travellers are advised to drive with caution and allow additional time to reach your destination. Closures for avalanche control are anticipated.

Highway 3

  • Has reopened for the first time since yesterday between Hope and Manning Park Lodge. DriveBC reports motorists should expect delays due to congestion.

Other conditions in the region:

Trans-Canada Highway

  • Freezing Rain on Highway 1 from Yale to Boston Bar.
  • Compact snow and slippery sections from Monte Creek to Sicamous

Highway 3

  • Compact snow and areas of slushy sections from Hope to the Highway 97 junction

Highway 33

  • Compact snow with slippery conditions
  • Limited visibility with fog from Beaverdell to McColloch Road.

Highway 6

  • Compact snow and areas of slippery sections from Vernon to Cherryville

Highway 97

  • Slushy sections through Kelowna and Lake Country
  • Compact snow with slippery sections from Lake Country to Falkland

Highway 97A

  • Compact snow with slippery sections from Vernon to Sicamous

Highway 97B

  • Compact snow with slippery sections from Enderby to Salmon Arm

Highway 97C

  • Compact snow with slippery conditions from West Kelowna to Merritt
  • Limited visibility from the Pennask Summitt to Brenda Mine Road exit due to fog

Westside Road

  • Compact Snow with Slushy Sections from Shelter Cove to Junction with Highway 97 Nort