Repairs to BC’s Coquihalla Highway will take months, especially in the winter: the province

Repairs to the Coquihalla Highway, which connects the lower mainland and the interior of BC, are expected to take months.

The provincial government confirmed the news on Thursday, saying the stretch between Hope and Merritt contains five areas that have been hit hard by rain, floods and mudslides after storm.

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BC’s Coquihalla Highway seen from the air shows the extent of the damage

BC’s Coquihalla Highway seen from the air shows the extent of the damage

The initial damage assessments have been completed, Paula Cousins, regional executive director of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, said at a media briefing. However, even temporary repairs will take months.

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Sections of the Coquihalla Highway have been broken in two and entire sections have been washed away.

The province has already begun buying temporary Bailey Bridges across North America.

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‘I heard this loud scary roar’: Global News cameraman shares details of surviving mudslide in Duffey Lake

‘I heard this loud scary roar’: Global News cameraman shares details of surviving mudslide in Duffey Lake

Repairs plans will be very expensive, however, and the work will be hampered by the winter months, when the highway is covered in snow.

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“It is clear that there will be five jobs in place,” Transport Minister Rob Fleming said Thursday.

“Is there a way we can move heavy equipment in by helicopter or over land in another way? But it will be the challenge. And again in winter conditions. You all know how winter is at Coquihalla at the best times and we go in. in the teeth of winter right now. “

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