The newly built Old Fort Road will open to two-way traffic later this evening.

The ministry has been working to keep people safe and restore road access to the community since June 19, 2020, when on-site monitoring systems first detected a slow-moving landslide. This is the only road to a small community nearly 10 kilometres southwest of Fort St John. The landslide ultimately carried a 100-metre section of Old Fort Road more than 300 metres down the slope.

The ministry was first able to provide road access to residents July 9, under specific conditions and timing, and have been working since then to ensure 24/7 road access for all vehicles.

The ministry thanks all residents and travellers for their ongoing patience while repairs continue, and also extends its gratitude to the Peace River Regional District and its other partners - and especially to the crews who have been out around the clock – for their efforts to ensure residents had safe access to Old Fort Road as quickly as possible.

The ministry reports there have been no recent ground movement in the slide area and that geotechnical assessments will continue. The ministry’s automated monitoring system will also remain on site.

The ministry will continue with finishing touches to the road over the next week. Drivers can expect minor delays of up to 20 minutes and, at times, single lane, alternating traffic.

Drivers are reminded to obey signage and traffic control at all times and use caution as the road is narrow and unmarked. Vehicle weight restrictions of 50% legal axle loads will remain in place.

Since the 2018 landslide, an automated monitoring system has been on site at Old Fort to provide continuous updates on any ground movements in the area and an operating protocol is in place to respond appropriately.

Learn More:

For information on the 2018 and 2020 landslide events, visit the Peace River Regional District: https://prrd.bc.ca/

For updates on road conditions, check @DriveBC on Twitter
Or: https://www.drivebc.ca/