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Trans-Canada Highway closed due to flooding Thursday

More Highway 1 closures

UPDATE: 9:35 p.m.

After significant flooding closed the Trans-Canada Highway west of Revelstoke for all of Thursday, more flooding has closed the highway east of Revelstoke as well Thursday night. 

Highway 1 will be closed through the night between Revelstoke and Golden, as well as about 15 kilometres west of Revelstoke. To make matters worse for travellers, the Upper Arrow Lake and Needles ferries, south of Revelstoke, have significant sailing waits, as motorists attempt to detour around the highway closures. 

DriveBC says the ferries will remain in operation through the night. 

"We do wish we could provide an exact timeline as to when the highway will reopen but the hardworking crews are up against the dynamic forces of nature," DriveBC posted to Twitter. "The safety of the travelling public is paramount and the highway will reopen when the crews on the ground have deemed it safe."

Earlier Thursday night, Revelstoke city councillor Cody Younker said there was still vacancy at some Revelstoke hotels for those who wanted to spend the night in the town, but it's unclear if that option is still available. 

The Ministry of Transportation delivered snack and water to those stuck in the Upper Arrow Lake ferry lineup at Shelter Bay earlier in the evening. 

DriveBC says they will have their next update on the situation at 5 a.m. Friday. 


UPDATE: 7:10 p.m.

The Trans-Canada Highway is expected to be closed west of Revelstoke through most of the night due to significant flooding. 

DriveBC says the "probability of opening tonight is low," and a video posted to Twitter by the Ministry of Transportation shows heavy flows still crossing the highway.

The closure has forced many motorists to take a detour through the Upper Arrow Lakes ferry, south of Revelstoke, leading to significant waits at the ferry. DriveBC is warning of delays of three or more hours at the ferry. There are also heavy delays at the Needles Ferry south of Nakusp as a result of the detour.

Revelstoke city councillor Cody Younker posted to Twitter that the Ministry of Transportation plans to keep the ferries open through the night to clear the vehicles that have been waiting for hours.

He says Ministry staff are delivering food and water to motorists stuck in the ferry lineup at Shelter Bay and that there is still some vacancy at Revelstoke hotels, for those looking to stay the night in town.

"Crews are working as hard as they possibly can to keep the drainages clear so that we can get the hwy back open," Younker wrote. "Please stay warm and stay safe. This could be a long night."


UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed west of Revelstoke Thursday evening after serious flooding shut down the route earlier in the morning. 

DriveBC reports crews are currently on scene "working hard to get the road reopened as soon as possible."

The next update on the road's possible reopening is scheduled for 7 p.m.


UPDATE: 12:55 p.m.

The Trans-Canada Highway is expected to remain closed for most of the day due to flooding.

There is still no estimate as to when the highway will reopen, but DriveBC says the next update is not due until 4 p.m.


ORIGINAL: 8:30 a.m.

If you are travelling east towards the Alberta border today watch for delays due to flooding on Highway 1 west of Revelstoke.

DriveBC is reporting that the Trans-Canada is closed in both directions due to flooding between Clanwilliam Bridge and Boulder Mountain Avalanche Gate for 2.8 km approximately 6 km west of Revelstoke. Crews are on scene conducting an assessment but the estimated time of opening is not available. The next update is expected at noon Pacific Daylight Time.



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