A section of concrete facing wall on the Westside Road Interchange gave way on Sunday morning, spilling dirt fill onto one of the southbound lanes of Highway 97 underneath the overpass.

The Westside Road Interchange is temporarily closed to traffic to allow for an engineering assessment, which is underway. Motorists can expect the closure to remain in place overnight.

While the assessment and clean-up takes place, traffic southbound on Highway 97 is diverted up the southbound ramp, north on Westside Road, on to Nancee Way and then back to Highway 97.

Detours are in effect for local traffic, using either the Campbell Road Interchange or Hudson Road and Boucherie Road. Motorists should follow the directions of traffic control personnel.

Construction of the Westside Road Interchange began in 2009 and the overpass opened to traffic on October 29, 2011. The works are being managed by the Westbank First Nation and delivered by Ledcor Construction.

The cause of the wall damage is unclear. Structural engineers from Urban Systems, the owner's engineer, are thoroughly assessing the wall area and the structure overall to determine the appropriate course of action. The ministry's engineering experts will also assess the structure.

The overall value of the Westside Road Interchange project is $41.8 million, with funding from the provincial and federal governments. British Columbia invested $30.8 million, with a federal contribution of $11 million from the Building Canada Fund.

Contact:

Jeff Knight

Government Communications and Engagement

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 480-9339

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect