Coquihalla now open after night of crashes, closures and harsh conditions | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Coquihalla now open after night of crashes, closures and harsh conditions

This still is taken from a DriveBC webcam at the Portia Interchange, exit 202 at 10:30 a.m. today, Feb. 11.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/DriveBC

MERRITT - The Coquihalla highway has reopened after several collisions and harsh winter driving conditions caused delays and multiple closures of the mountain pass last night.

As of 10:35 a.m. today, Feb.11, Highway 5 is open.

DriveBC first reported heavy traffic and delays at Great Bear Snowshed at 8 p.m. last night, Feb. 10. Shortly after that, a crash closed Highway 5 southbound at Coldwater Interchange, exit 286, south of Merritt at 8:36 p.m. There was no detour at the time.

At 8:57 p.m., Highway 5 was closed in both directions from Portia Interchange, exit 202, to Merritt because of severe winter conditions. The highway remained closed overnight.

According to DriveBC, crews were actively clearing traffic queues and accessing blocked vehicles during the closures.

Traffic started moving again this morning, Feb. 11 at 4:09 a.m., southbound at Coldwater Interchange, exit 286.

Stalled motorists took to social media, posting photos and videos of the ordeal.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Kim Anderson or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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