A significant closure is impacting travel on a major highway in British Columbia on Tuesday morning. The BC Ministry of Transportation has announced that the Coquihalla Highway, also known as Highway 5, is shut down in both directions from Hope to Merritt due to multiple vehicle incidents.
DriveBC, the transportation agency’s official communication channel, first reported the closure at 9:30 p.m. on Monday. Limited information is available, but reports mention various incidents, including one at Snowshed Hill as recently as 6:30 a.m. today. Webcam footage reveals snow-covered roads and ongoing heavy snowfall along the route overnight.
Additionally, a segment of Highway 3, located southeast of Hope, is also closed as repair crews address extensive damage caused by recent rainstorms. The estimated reopening date for Highway 3 falls between December 26 and January 1, 2026.
For commuters looking to travel from the Lower Mainland to the Interior, the only current options are Highways 1 and 99, with Highway 5 unavailable. The ministry emphasizes the unpredictable nature of winter driving conditions in British Columbia and advises travelers to be prepared with warm clothing, snacks, water, and a full fuel tank or EV battery in case of closures or delays.
DriveBC is scheduled to release another update on the status of Highway 5 at 8:15 a.m. Stay informed by tuning in to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver for live traffic updates every 10 minutes and following @NewsRadioVAN on X for real-time alerts delivered directly to your inbox.