Mudslides close Highway 1 in both directions near Hope

Multiple mudslides have Highway 1 currently closed near Hope. (Twitter / @EAMOperations)

Heavy rain on Wednesday night caused multiple mudslides and forced the closure of Highway 1 in both directions between Hope and Chilliwack.

UPDATE: #BCHwy1 Closed eastbound at Popkum, east of #Chilliwack, due to a mudslide. Alternate route: #BCHwy9 to #BCHwy7 to #BCHwy1. https://t.co/VaoSONQdT2 pic.twitter.com/ewnC5YbJKG

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) November 23, 2017

The route was still closed on Thursday morning, as geotechnical engineers were scheduled to arrive on the the scene and assess the situation.

Motorists looking to head in either direction were advised to use Highway 7 and Highway 9 between Hope and Bridal Falls and to expect delays.

A brighter daylight picture of Hwy 1 area (Patterson Creek, Bridal Falls), east of Hwy 9 of the debris slide incident. Assessment by geotechnical engineer still to follow. For latest updates, follow @DriveBC , @AM730Traffic , StarFM or other local media outlets. pic.twitter.com/R75NYS9BFp

— EAM (@EAMOperations) November 23, 2017

Additional picture of Hwy 1 in the Bridal Falls area of the debris flow incident. Continue to use Hwy 7 & Hwy 9 between Hope& Bridal Falls, Expect delays on Hwy 9. Use caution around Hwy 7 & Haig scale with debris clean up taking place. Follow @DriveBC, @AM730Traffic Star98.3FM pic.twitter.com/5ANM8HM0VN

— EAM (@EAMOperations) November 23, 2017

Even using the detour though, motorists were still advised to use caution. .

Highway services company Emil Anderson Maintenance said those driving through the area should watch out for construction crews cleaning up debris and expect delays on Highway 9 at the Rosedale Bridge due to ongoing seismic upgrade work.

Updates on the situation are expected throughout the morning.