A closed section of Highway 97 in the Okanagan will remain off limits through the Labour Day long weekend.
On Friday afternoon, the Ministry of Transportation issued an update on the rockslide currently blocking the four-lane highway just north of Summerland.
The ministry said geotechnical engineers are continuing to assess the site, but that sensors placed on the cliff alongside the highway are showing continuing slope movement.
“Engineers will collect more instrumentation data throughout the weekend to get a clearer picture of the condition of the slope and the risk of further rockfalls,” said the ministry.
“There is currently no estimate of when the highway can be safely reopened to general traffic.”
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Notably, the ministry added that approval has been given for one lane to be cleared for emergency vehicles.
“Travel by emergency vehicles through the site will take place under specific site safety protocols,” said the ministry.
“No other traffic will be permitted due to the ongoing safety risk.”
For the foreseeable future, Friday’s news means that motorists travelling between Kelowna and Penticton will have to continue using detour routes.
On Thursday, the province announced that two forest service roads are now available, though they are unpaved and drive times could increase by as much as 90 minutes.
The detour routes are:
For travel between Penticton and Kelowna:
- 201 Forest Service Road, accessed off Highway 33 near McColloch Road southwest of Kelowna and via Warren/Carmi avenues in Penticton; and
* For travel between Summerland and Peachland:
- Trout Main to Peachland Forest Service Road.
The ministry said cellphone coverage is limited in those areas and that drivers should have a full tank of fuel, along with food, water and extra supplies.
Drivers are also encouraged to drive during daylight hours and with caution.