UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: After last night’s mudslides, crews worked through the night to clear and reopen Highway 99, which occurred at approximately 2 a.m., according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“A geotechnical assessment was conducted at first light on Highway 97 and crews were given the green light to begin cleanup,” which reopened at around noon.
“Peoples’ safety is our top priority, and ministry staff are continually checking weather forecasts and increasing patrols to monitor this region for potential slide activity. We have also been issuing advance warnings to motorists in the form of travel advisories and using Changeable Message Boards when weather forecasts have indicated that significant precipitation is anticipated.
Once a slide takes place, ministry staff carry out geotechnical assessments, and a contractor begins to clear the roadway once it is safe to do so, according to the Ministry.
“Drivers should continue to check DriveBC.ca and @DriveBC on Twitter for updates. Intense weather patterns and these slides can be somewhat unpredictable and can appear and accelerate quickly, and we are doing everything possible to maintain safe provincial roads and highways.”
UPDATE 12:09 p.m. Aug. 30: Highway 97 has reopened with one lane in each direction. The speed limit is 50 km/h. Drivers are advised to watch for dust, debris and heavy equipment as cleanup is ongoing.
UPDATE 6:30 a.m. Aug. 30: Highway 99 has reopened to traffic west of the junction with Highway 97. Watch for muddy sections.
Highway 97 is still closed between Cache Creek and Clinton due to mudslides. The highway is expected to reopen at noon; the next update will be at 8 a.m.
REMINDER - CLOSED - #BCHwy97 in both directions between #CacheCreek and #ClintonBC due to mudslide. Detour available, next update at 8:00 AM. Estimated time of opening is at 12:00 PM. Full details: https://t.co/lYY05cSvD5
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
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UPDATE 11:50 p.m.: Highway 1 is open between Cache Creek and Kamloops. It remains closed between Cornwall Road and the junction with Highway 97 in Cache Creek.
UPDATE - #BCHwy1 is OPEN between #CacheCreek and #Kamloops. The highway remains closed between Cornwall Rd and the #BCHwy97 junction in #CacheCreek. A reminder that #BCHwy97 remains CLOSED between #CacheCreek and #ClintonBC
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
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DriveBC is reporting that a number of area highways are once again closed due to mudslides.
Highway 97 is closed between Cache Creek and Clinton due to numerous mudslides. One mudslide near Maiden Creek at the Pavilion Forest Service Road is particularly bad, and the highway is impassable at this time. An assessment of the route is in progress, and a detour is available via Highway 5, Highway 24, or Highway 8.
#BCHwy97 - reports of a mudslide near Maiden Creek at Pavillion Forest Service Road. Highway is impassible at this time, crews enroute to assess. Expect heavy delays, drive with extreme care. #ClintonBC
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
CLOSED - #BCHwy97 between #CacheCreek and #ClintonBC. Assessment in progress, detour via #BCHwy5, #BCHwy24 or #BCHwy8.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
Highway 1 west and east of Cache Creek is also closed due to mudslides, with a detour available via Highways 5, 24, or 8.
CLOSED - #BCHwy1 10 km west to 12 km east of #Cache Creek due to mudslide. Assessment in progress. Detour via #BCHwy5, #BCHwy24 or #BCHwy8.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
Highway 99 west of the junction with Highway 97, near Hat Creek Corner, is also closed due to mudslides. An assessment is in progress.
CLOSED - #BCHwy99 - 10 km east of #BCHwy97 near Hat Creek due to mudslide. Assessment in progress, detour via #BCHwy5, #BCHwy24 or #BCHwy8.
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) August 30, 2018
For up-to-date highway information go to www.drivebc.ca.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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