Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone released the following statement today on highway operations to deal with current flood conditions facing the Chetwynd and Dawson Creek areas of Northern British Columbia:

“Our government is working around the clock to support local authorities and First Nations by organizing necessary resources to respond to the flooding emergency in Northern B.C.

“The damage caused by this severe and unprecedented rainfall is extensive. I would like to thank all ministry staff and maintenance contractor personnel and volunteers who have been working all day and night to ensure the safety of the public in the area. I would also like to thank the public for their patience during this state of emergency as we further assess the situation and perform repairs.

“We’ve mobilized ministry engineers, construction experts and over 100 pieces of equipment from throughout the province, and we’ll begin to rebuild these roads as quickly as possible.

“There are approximately 100 known sites on provincial roads and highways impacting travel, mostly in the South Peace; including five significant sites on Highway 97 west of Chetywnd. This includes complete washouts, partial washouts and debris flows. Crews are working from both the north and south end of the closure and we expect to have the highway from Pine Pass to Chetwynd open to single-lane alternating traffic by the end of next week.

“Our government's priority is the health and safety of all British Columbians and that is why we will do everything possible as we perform repairs as soon as possible. I also want to commend our provincial and municipal partners, as well as all volunteers for the tremendous and tireless work being done in the face of this challenge.”

Learn More:

Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for updated information on closures at: http://www.drivebc.ca/