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More blasting at Highway 97 slide site near Summerland

Click to play video: 'More blasting at Highway 97 slide site near Summerland'
More blasting at Highway 97 slide site near Summerland
WATCH: On Wednesday afternoon, Highway 97 near Summerland, B.C., was temporarily shut down as work crews again blasted part of a troublesome bluff near the road – Jun 28, 2023

Another day, another blast and highway closure just south of Summerland, B.C.

On Wednesday afternoon, Highway 97 was temporarily shut down as work crews again blasted part of a troublesome bluff near the road.

Two landslides over a three-week span from mid-May to early June disrupted traffic near Lakeshore Drive South.

Click to play video: 'Highway 97 re-opens to single alternating traffic after second landslide in less than a month'
Highway 97 re-opens to single alternating traffic after second landslide in less than a month

Since then, the Ministry of Transportation has closed that portion of the highway for ongoing remedial blasting. Wednesday’s closure was for an hour, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

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A geotechnical assessment in May estimated there were 4,000 cubic metres of unstable material on the slope above the highway.

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The highway contractor issued a statement saying it was receiving reports that children using walkie-talkies near the slide site were disrupting work crews.

Click to play video: 'Highway 97 near Summerland closed again'
Highway 97 near Summerland closed again

“When crews change the channels, the children follow and continue to disrupt,” AIM Roads said on its Facebook page. “This was occurring after school hours. However, today it has been first thing in the morning.

“This has major negative impacts and is a safety hazard to our crews. Radio channels must be reserved for road crews and their activities at this location. Please talk to your kids with walkie-talkies and ensure they know to not interrupt radio talk from construction crews and to play on different channels.”

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Along with single-lane, alternating traffic patterns, intermittent road closures are expected to continue, though no blasting will take place this long weekend.

AIM Roads also reminds boaters to keep 300 metres (1,000 feet) from the shoreline.

Click to play video: 'Retaining wall to be built along Highway 97 near Summerland following landslide'
Retaining wall to be built along Highway 97 near Summerland following landslide

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