The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is making significant progress on the roads and highways affected by the flooding in the Peace region last month, Minister Todd Stone announced today.

“Highway crews, maintenance contractors and volunteers in the region continue to work tirelessly on the damage caused by the floods last month,” Stone said. “The work to address the damage is a huge undertaking but getting the repairs done quickly remains a priority for everyone involved.”

Nearly 200 pieces of equipment are still engaged in safely restoring the numbered highways and side roads that were washed out by the flooding. Crews continue to work on Highway 97 South through the Pine Pass. Highway 97 is open to single-lane alternating traffic in two locations: Commotion Creek and Tippy Corner. Crews are working hard to get both these locations open to two lanes and Highway 97 is now open to over-dimension loads.

On Highway 29 South, crews continue to work and monitor one major site at Zonnebeke Creek. The road is reduced to a single lane at this location.

The ministry expects to reopen Snake Pit Road in Dawson Creek by mid-August. Until the road reopens, the detour for passenger vehicles is Highway 49 directly into Dawson Creek. Detours for trucks carrying extraordinary loads can take Highway 2 from the Alberta-B.C. border to Dawson Creek, then onto the Dangerous Goods Route and then take either Highway 97S or Highway 97N to Fort St. John and points north.

Of the 40 side roads that were fully closed, 29 have now been opened to a minimum of single-lane alternating traffic. The remaining roads with full closures all have alternate routes available. The total number of repair sites is 286, all primarily in the South Peace area. Motorists are expected to drive with caution and obey all advisory signage.

While a number of affected routes have reopened, there is still much work to be done and ministry crews are working hard to repair and reinforce to prevent similar events of this nature in the future. The ministry appreciates the public’s patience, as there will be crews and equipment working in the area for some time. Know before you go and check DriveBC for updates prior to your travels to ensure you take a safe route.

Highways 97 South between Mackenzie Junction and Chetwynd, and Highway 29 South between Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge, were closed because of washouts and flooding caused by heavy rainfall on June 15 and 16, 2016.

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