Two excavator operators working near Field, B.C. were rushed to hospital Tuesday after a rockslide resulted in about 10,000 cubic metres of debris falling on Highway 1 on Monday night, according to Parks Canada.
According to the agency, the pair was working while holes were being drilled to place explosives at a rock-scaling site. At the time of the incident work was underway to clear rock and debris from the highway several hours after the daily rock blast on this rock slope re-profiling project. Both workers sustained minor injuries and were later released from hospital.
Early indications from geotechnical assessments indicate that the slope failed below the drilling and blasting elevation along natural seams in the shale bedrock.
A stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway connecting Alberta and British Columbia was shut down because of the slide, which occurred about 16 kilometres west of Field.
On Tuesday, Lake Louise RCMP said the highway was impassable. Anyone planning to travel between Alberta and British Columbia via Highway 1 was asked to choose an alternate route or make arrangements for accommodations. The road was expected to be closed for between 24 and 72 hours.
Alberta drivers looking to travel to British Columbia can divert south on Highway 93 to Invermere then go north on Highway 95 to Golden.
Crews worked to remove debris and stabilize rock face throughout the day on Wednesday.
Parks Canada says the existing outside gravel shoulder has been graded, but current poor weather is delaying the paving operation. Single lane alternating traffic, and eventually two-way traffic, will begin moving through the site as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Estimated re-opening time is at 7 p.m. on Thursday.