The Coquihalla Highway is now open both directions between Hope and Merritt after being closed for more than 24 hours.
Northbound is open completely. Southbound is open but with a right lane closure and 10 minute delays in effect until further notice, according to Drive BC.
The closure of traffic in both directions was due to a semi truck fire that closed the road around 4 a.m. Monday.
The fire that happened about 25 kilometres south of Merritt, near the Coldwater Road Exchange. Highway officials say this was a dangerous goods fire, but it is not known how the truck caught fire at this time. A Hazmat team was on scene all day and the assessment is now complete.
Merritt RCMP Const. Jerry Davey told CKNW that the fire originated in the front of the vehicle.
WATCH: Coquihalla Highway closed south of Merritt
The Ministry of Environment said the trailer contained “consumer packaged products, the majority of which were pool chemicals.”
The closure comes on one of the busiest days of the year for the Coquihalla with as many as 25,000 travelling expected to travel the stretch of highway.
Air quality advisory issued
Interior Health has issued an air quality advisory for the Kingsvale area, south of Merritt.
The advisory is due to potential health impacts created by smoke coming from this fire.
Anyone in the area who smells or tastes anything unusual in the air is advised to seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off any air intakes (air conditioning, etc.). If you continue to smell anything unusual indoors, you are advised to leave the immediate area and seek cleaner air.
Interior Health says the most likely symptoms would be mild to moderate irritation of the nose, throat, respiratory tract or eyes. Residents who experience more severe respiratory symptoms, headache, nausea or dizziness should seek medical assistance.
At this time, there is no indication that local water is impacted by this fire.
No injuries have been reported.
Drive BC says an alternate route is available via Highways 1 and 8 or Highways 3 and 97.
— With files from Jon Azpiri
Comments