Motorists are advised that Highway 1 remains closed in both directions east of Chilliwack due to three mudslides that closed the highway Thursday morning.

The ministry anticipates that it will have one lane open to alternating traffic by noon tomorrow with a full opening of both lanes by Saturday afternoon.

Geotechnical engineers have completed their detailed review of the area, located near Bridal Falls. Highway crews and heavy equipment are now cleared to begin cleanup and start removing the large amounts of debris covering the highway in both directions. Extra equipment and staff have been brought to support the cleanup efforts.

Crews will be focused on clearing the westbound lanes first to reopen the highway and to establish counterflow traffic movement on the west side of the highway. The ministry estimates the westbound lane will be open at approximately noon tomorrow.

Following the opening of the westbound lane, crews will turn their attention to clearing the eastbound lane, which has considerably more debris. The estimated time of opening the eastbound lane is Saturday afternoon.

The ministry thanks the public for their patience while this work is being done. Motorists are advised to check DriveBC before they set out and plan an alternate route.