BRITISH COLUMBIA. — The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) has fully reopened in both directions between Hope and Merritt following a lengthy 15-hour closure caused by significant snowfall and multiple vehicle incidents.
DriveBC first reported the total shutdown of the 109-kilometre stretch around 9:30 p.m. Monday, December 22, after heavy snow led to numerous crashes. One major incident involved a pile-up of five semi-trucks near the Great Bear Snowshed, which stalled snow-clearing operations and hampered recovery efforts throughout the night.
Ongoing Travel Advisory and Conditions
While the highway is now open, a travel advisory remains in effect for the entire corridor. DriveBC and the Ministry of Transportation are urging extreme caution as crews continue to work on the road:
- Hazardous Surfaces: Drivers should expect compact snow, bumpy sections, and narrow lanes due to the heavy snow load and high snowbanks along the shoulders.
- Limited Facilities: Maintenance crews and heavy equipment are still operating throughout the corridor, and some roadside facilities may remain limited.
- Reduced Visibility: Although skies cleared briefly Tuesday morning, visibility may remain poor in higher elevation passes.
New Snowfall Warning for Christmas Eve
The reprieve for travellers may be short-lived. Environment Canada has issued a new snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Highway and the Trans-Canada Highway through the Fraser Canyon.
- Timing: A frontal system approaching from Washington is expected to bring intensified snowfall starting early Wednesday morning, December 24.
- Accumulation: Between 10 and 15 centimetres of fresh snow is forecast for the Coquihalla through Christmas Eve, which may lead to further travel disruptions or temporary closures.
Highway 3 Status Update
Travellers are also reminded that a 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3, southeast of Hope between Hope and Manning Park Resort, remains closed. The route was severely damaged by atmospheric rivers earlier in the month, with heavy rains washing away a 50-metre section of the highway.
Ministry contractors are working on a temporary detour to restore single-lane access, with an anticipated reopening on an “interim alignment” between December 26 and January 1, 2026.
Winter Driving Readiness
The Ministry of Transportation reiterates that provincial highways can be closed at any time as conditions warrant. Travellers heading into B.C.’s Interior for the holidays are advised to:
- Check DriveBC.ca for real-time updates and webcam images.
- Ensure Proper Equipment: Vehicles must have winter tires or chains in good condition; officials noted multiple vehicles were pulled from the snow this week with bald tires.
- Pack Essentials: Carry warm clothing, blankets, food, water, and a fully charged cell phone.
- Fuel Up: Ensure your fuel tank or EV battery is full before beginning your trip over the mountain passes.
