UPDATED: Coquihalla opens following dangerous goods spill
By Contributor
DriveBC is the Coquihalla Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt has opened in both directions Tuesday morning following an incident involving a burning semi-trailer truck carrying dangerous goods.
A hazmat team spent most of the night cleaning the spill.
MOTI reports Coquihalla near Merritt closed in both directions
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure issued a traffic advisory Monday saying the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt is closed following an incident involving a burning semi-trailer truck carrying dangerous goods.
The MOTI said the highway is expected to remain closed in both directions well into the evening, and possibly overnight.
The MOTI said Ministry crews and VSA Highway Maintenance are working with the Ministry of Environment, Transport Canada and a hazardous materials team to contain the situation.
“Today is traditionally one of the Coquihalla’s busiest days of the year with as many as 25,000 vehicles travelling this stretch of highway,” the MOTI release said.
“Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes, check DriveBC for updates, drive to conditions while exercising caution and expect major delays.
The ministry thanks drivers for their patience on this Victoria Day holiday. To check up-to-date travel information, closures and detours.
