Permanent repairs from last year’s flood damage are expected to begin later this year, but in the meantime, work is underway on the Coquihalla Highway to prepare for spring runoff.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure told Castanet “to prepare for the upcoming spring freshet, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to add to the initial response work done on the highways damaged by November’s flood event. This includes significant rip rap (rock) placement at key locations, as well as slope armouring, drainage improvements and increased culvert capacity.
“Spring freshet can bring challenges to our roadways. The Ministry will monitor warming soils and melting snow that can lead to weakened road bases and increased stream flows.”
Rip rap is used to deflect the impact of rushing water away from nearby infrastructure, while the gaps between rocks trap and slow the flow of water. Because riprap is permeable, they allow water to drain freely.
MOTI also notes that wildfire damage can increase runoff and impact overall soil stability. A pair of wildfires merged near the Coquihalla Highway last summer, and at one point the route was closed because of flames and smoke dangerously close to the road.
The ministry said it will be closely monitoring the Coquihalla throughout the spring freshet to ensure the safety of the road.
MOTI is currently in Phase 1 of its response to the severe weather and flooding that washed away and damaged several sections of the highway in November 2021. That work is anticipated to be completed in the spring, including the reinforcements in preparation for freshet.
Phase 2 will include the design and construction of long-term repairs and will begin in the upcoming construction season at the earliest.
Highway 5 was closed between Hope and Merritt for several weeks after the flood damage. It reopened to commercial vehicles on Dec. 20, 2021, and to regular vehicles traffic on Jan. 19, 2022.
