Heavy snowfall and delays expected for Coquihalla Highway all this week

BC Ministry of Transportation

Drivers are advised to prepare for more winter weather conditions and possible delays when travelling to and from the BC Interior via the Coquihalla Highway, between Hope and Merritt, for the remainder of this week.

In a release, the BC Ministry of Transportation said heavy snowfall on the mountain pass is expected today, Thursday, and Friday.

The statement comes as Environment Canada has issued a travel advisory for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, with up to 30 centimetres of snow expected to fall in the region by end of day Wednesday alone.

Forecasts also suggest that could be followed by waves of heavy snowfall that continue through Friday.

A mandatory chain-up has been in effect as required for commercial vehicle operators, who are reminded of the enhanced regulations requiring an increase in the number of chains on their trucks, depending on weight and configuration. The new Box Canyon facility is intended for chain-up only and overnight parking is not permitted.

Commercial truck drivers are also reminded of the no-trucks-in-the-left-lane pilot project, which restricts them from using the far-left lane on Snowshed Hill. This is meant to allow for better traffic flow and plowing operations, as well as significantly reducing the time it takes to get people moving after a full closure.

Finally, travellers are reminded that winter tire regulations are in effect and people travelling on highways in the southern Interior and North must equip vehicles with winter tires, with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres. For mountain passes and rural highways, mountain/snowflake tires offer the best traction in winter driving conditions.

The latest round of winter weather follows a previous weather system that moved through the region and dumped approximately 25 centimetres of snow earlier this week.

Up-to-date information on road conditions can be found on DriveBC’s website.

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