Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton has reopened to traffic following a major washout on Dec. 16.
The Transportation Ministry announced just before midnight on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) that the highway had reopened eight days after the washout 42 kilometres east of the Highway 3/5 junction.
The ministry had previously said it would open before the New Year. A release from the ministry credits the earlier-than-expected opening due “to around-the-clock efforts of ministry contractors and the availability of materials.”
Traffic on the stretch of highway is single-lane alternating on a temporary detour, with a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h.
Drivers heading west on the highway, toward Hope, will be held approximately 500 metres east of the site to avoid lineups. It’s an avalanche risk area where no stopping is permitted.
The release adds the site will be closely monitored and the highway could be closed off again, if conditions warrant.
It’s recommended that commercial vehicle drivers choose an alternate route between the Lower Mainland and the southern Interio until two-lane traffic returns to the highway.
The ministry says long-term repairs at the site will “require significant design and reconstruction.” The current detour will remain in place until permanent repairs are complete.