By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Work is “well underway” to repair Highway 3 at multiple locations between Hope and Manning Park following damage from washouts and debris, but the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) is unable to say when it can be reopened.
The MOTT provided an update on the situation on Dec. 17 and cautioned that while work continues, there is no estimated timeline for reopening until geotechnical engineers are able to complete a full assessment, something confounded by ongoing wet and snowy weather conditions and avalanche risks, it added.
A series of atmospheric rivers, beginning Dec. 10, resulted in damage at 22 separate locations along Highway 3, with 11 of these sites suffering extensive damage and forcing its closure, a situation reminiscent of the atmospheric river of Nov. 2021, which also closed Hwy. 3 for days.
The highway is currently closed from Manning Park – East Gate to Hope.
The damage includes five culvert failures resulting in partial road washouts, which require excavation and full culvert replacement.
At another site that was discovered on the morning of Dec. 16, a culvert has been blocked and water has undermined and washed away a portion of the highway and roadside barrier. “The damage at the new site is substantial but cannot be fully assessed until slope conditions stabilize and crews have safe access,” the MOTT said.
Five other sites have large volumes of material deposited onto the roadway, blocking drainage.
The MOTT and its contractors have more than 40 pieces of equipment, 55 personnel and 15 technical experts dedicated to repairs. Crews are working around the clock to reopen Highway 3 as quickly and safely as possible.
On Tuesday (Dec. 16) Janelle Staite, Executive Director, South Coast Region, Transportation and Transit, updated that five or six different crews were working in different locations across Highway 3 between Hope and Manning Park.
She said two of the sites have been cleaned up with the expectation that four more could be completed by about mid-week.
“Five sites in particular have very large cross cuts across the major highway, so we’re actually having to dig out a culvert that’s failed and do some replacement work, so a fairly significant amount of work.”
Work currently underway includes removing debris, stabilizing slopes, repairing damaged road surfaces and restoring drainage systems to reduce the risk of further damage from additional rainfall.
With the second atmospheric river-fuelled front hitting the region on Tuesday night, the MOTT noted that the corridor continues to experience heavy rain and snow in some areas. Several affected sites fall within known avalanche hazard areas, which means avalanche risk assessments are being conducted to ensure worker and public safety.
An estimated timeline for opening the highway will be known once geotechnical engineers are able to assess the most recent damage, the MOTT said.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust construction activities as needed to ensure the safety of travellers and workers.
While Highway 3 remains closed, drivers can expect heavier than normal volumes on Highways 1 and 5. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and plan extra time for their journey.
Also, a reminder to drivers that conditions can change quickly and highways can be closed at any time as conditions warrant. Be prepared for delays and closures by packing warm clothes, snacks and water, and by ensuring your vehicle’s fuel tank or EV battery is full.
