The Trans-Canada Highway is reopening Jan. 24, 2021 following massive flood events that damaged the highway.

Image Credit: Ministry of Transportation

The Trans-Canada Highway is reopening today through the Fraser Canyon, connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior and Northern B.C.

The province announced today, Jan. 24, repairs have been completed to the highway, following November's massive flood events.

Depending on the destination, drivers travelling Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon should plan for delays of up to two hours or more. This is due to ongoing repairs, an at-grade train crossing and sections of single-lane alternating traffic, which includes a temporary single-lane bridge at Jackass Mountain and Nicomen River crossing, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

READ MORE: B.C. reopens major section of flood-damaged Trans-Canada Highway in Fraser Valley

The single-lane temporary bridge installed at Jackass Mountain is approximately 80-metres long and is in an area where a large section of two-lane road was destroyed.

This bridge is in a known avalanche zone, so drivers will have a pilot-car service for approximately four kilometres to guide them through this section, the ministry said.

The highway is open at noon today, Jan. 24, for all regular traffic but truck loads are limited to 25 metres in length until the rehabilitation of the highway bridge at Nicomen River is complete.

“We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the crews and staff who have put in long hours to make the repairs necessary to reopen Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon,” Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said in the media release.

READ MORE: B.C.'s key Coquihalla Highway reopening to all vehicle traffic after floods

The avalanche risk in the Fraser Canyon is also high this year. Drivers can expect closures on short notice for avalanche control and cleanup and are asked to plan accordingly by bringing warm clothes, food and water, and a full tank of gas.

Road conditions and updates are available through Drive.B.C. here.

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