Highway 97 south of Vernon reopened after closure

Update:

Highway 97 between Vernon and Kelowna has been reopened.

Police say road conditions remain icy, and drivers are being advised to slow down, and drive to road conditions.

Several travel advisories and closures were in place earlier in the day for highways throughout B.C.’s Southern Interior.

In the Okanagan, Highway 97 was temporarily closed on Friday morning, with police stating there were several traffic incidents south of Vernon, including a jack-knifed semi.

“Due to incredibly poor road conditions, Highway 97 between College Way and Bailey Road is fully closed to traffic in both directions,” Vernon RCMP said in a press release.

Vernon RCMP said they received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 97, south of Vernon, near the intersection of Birnie Road, at around 9:45 a.m.

Police say a small passenger vehicle and a semi-truck collided while travelling southbound, and that two other southbound vehicles left the road in order to avoid the collision.

One person was treated for minor injuries at the scene by B.C. Ambulance, and no other injuries were reported.

In a press release, the City of Vernon said road cleanup continues on roads and highways in the North Okanagan, following another major dump of snow.

“Roads throughout the entire region are reported as having compact snow with icy sections and motorists are encouraged to avoid travel if possible,” said the city.

“Vernon Fire Rescue Services and RCMP are currently on scene of multiple vehicle collisions on Highway 97 south of Vernon. Firefighters have reported that multiple vehicles have left the roadway and are in the ditch. Some vehicles, including large trucks, have also become stuck in the area.”

Along the Trans-Canada Highway, there are three travel advisories alone, including two related to avalanche control work from Revelstoke to Golden. Sections of the highway will be closed at times.

The third advisory is for heavy snowfall between Sicamous and Field, a distance of 273 kilometres.

DriveBC says motorists are advised to exercise caution, to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and to consider alternate travel plans.

2:12 Stoplights being installed along Highway 5A in Princeton to help ease traffic concerns

Along Highway 3, travel advisories are in effect between Hope and Princeton due to heavy snowfall, 20-30 cm.

Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel, to exercise caution if travelling and expect closures on short notice, delays and congestion.

Part of Highway 3 is also closed between Second Avalanche Gate and Allison Pass Summit (37 km east of Hope) due to a high avalanche hazard.

Also, the highway is closed in both directions between West Avalanche Gate and East Avalanche Gate (7 km west of Kootenay Pass) due to avalanche deposit removal. An alternate route is available from Nelson to Creston, on Highway 3A.

2:07 Concern over stretch of Highway 97

Further, DriveBC is reporting that the Coquihalla Highway is closed in both directions from Hope to Merritt because of freezing rain. The next update will be early Saturday, at 12:15 a.m.

For the latest road and highway conditions throughout the province, visit DriveBC.