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Trans-Canada Highway in B.C.’s Interior reopened after debris movement on nearby slope

A map showing the Trans-Canada Highway closure in Chase, B.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. DriveBC

UPDATE: A section of the Trans-Canada Highway in B.C.’s Southern Interior that was closed on Wednesday was reopened on Thursday morning.

The closure happened in Chase, with officials citing a geotechnical investigation.

In an email to Global News, the Ministry of Transportation cited debris movement on a slope adjacent to the highway as the reason why traffic was stopped in both directions.

“No material from the debris movement landed on the highway, but, out of an abundance of caution to protect public safety, the highway was closed while geotechnical engineers assessed the situation,” said the ministry.

Detours were available via highways 97, 97A and 97B. But during the closure, access was available for emergency vehicles.

The highway reopened at 10 a.m.

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

 

ORIGINAL STORY:

A section of the Trans-Canada Highway in B.C.’s Interior is currently closed in both directions, and it’s unknown how long the closure will last.

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DriveBC is reporting that the highway is closed in Chase, and that a geotechnical investigation is taking place between Shuswap-Chase Creek Road and Shuswap Avenue, a distance of 4.6 kilometres.

Detours are available via highways 97, 97A and 97B.

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However, on a social media account, AIMRoads — the highway maintenance contractor for the region — says the reopening is undetermined, and motorists should expect major delays ranging from hours up to one to two days.

Global News has reached out to the Ministry of Transportation for more information. An update is expected at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

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