UPDATE: June 1, 7:40 p.m.
Highway 5 north of Blue River has reopened to single-lane, alternating traffic following severe flooding on May 31.
Drivers are warned to watch for, and obey, traffic control personnel, and to expect delays.
ORIGINAL STORY
Highway 5 north of Blue River remains closed to all traffic in both directions following severe flooding.
The flooding took place at the Chappell Creek Rec Site, 30 kilometres north of Blue River, on Saturday (May 31).
Ian Mandrusiak, the area superintendent for road contractor Emil Anderson, spoke with Black Press about the flooding on Sunday (June 1).
"I can tell you that we have three locations that have flooded north of Blue River where the river has overflowed, with debris flow blocking culverts which has caused some undermining of the road and blockage of the culverts on Saturday night," he said, noting that one location was at Chappell Creek.
"Two kilometres north of that we have another washout area, with very minimal undermining of the road. The Allan Creek snowmobile pullout is the third site. This has impacted not just our road infrastructure but also some of the Trans Mountain culverts, that have also become plugged with debris.
"One of the Trans Mountain access roads is washed out completely. They are aware and have crews on site, as well as Telus and Hydro infrastructure which may be compromised, and they are currently inspecting all of the sites."
Mandrusiak said that Emil Anderson road crews are in the assessment process at this time, which is what they call the response phase.
"Once we get the highway open to single lane alternating then it reverts to recovery. As of right now we're in three spots and we are assessing. I'm hoping by dinner time we can have it opened up to single lane alternating but that is yet to be determined."
There is no detour route available, and drivers in the area are urged to watch for, and obey, road control crews. For more information go to www.drivebc.ca, where the next update is scheduled for 7:15 pm on Sunday, June 1.
