After a landslide near Summerland sent debris crashing down onto Highway 97, the Ministry of Transportation has confirmed a retaining wall will soon be installed.
“Geotechnical assessments have recommended construction of a lock-block retaining wall to increase the debris-catchment area and increase safety prior to re-opening all lanes,” said Dave Crebo, communications director with the Ministry of Transportation.
“The wall is currently being designed and construction is anticipated to begin on Tuesday.”
The landslide size was approximately 120 metres long, with a 40-metre section that covered the highway. The highway was closed in both directions but was re-opened hours later to single-lane alternating traffic.
Two days after the slide, however, the highway was once again shut down for over an hour after a small amount of additional debris from the slope came tumbling down and some movement on the slope was observed.
After a second geotechnical assessment and the placement of debris-containment measures along the road surface, the highway was re-opened to single-lane alternating traffic.
In the meantime, the ministry will continue to monitor the slope, and the highway will be closed if further movement is detected before the retaining wall can be installed.
Drivers in the area can expect major delays until further notice.
The ministry did not say how the construction of the retaining wall could further impact traffic, or when it will be completed.
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