UPDATE: Highway 97 open in both directions from Cache Creek to Clinton after mudslide

(via Contributed)

10:05 p.m.

Highway 97 is fully open in the South Cariboo as of 10 p.m. this evening (July 15).

As of 10 p.m., Drive B.C. is reporting both northbound and southbound lanes are clear for traffic between Cache Creek and four kilometres south of Clinton after a mudslide forced the closure.

The highway was closed in both directions for almost three hours, and so did the single-lane alternating procedure.

Drivers are being cautioned however as Environment Canada is forecasting potential heavy rain in the southern interior, which could lead to more debris flow.

CLEAR - #BCHwy97 fully open to 2-way traffic #CacheCreek to 4km south of #ClintonBC. Potential closures possible due to debris flow risk.

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) July 16, 2019

7:20 p.m.

One lane has opened along Highway 97 in the South Cariboo after a mudslide closed it for several hours.

Drive B.C. is reporting single-lane alternating traffic from Cache Creek to a few kilometres south of Clinton after the incident sent debris across the road.

The lengthy lane traffic is due to possible heavy rainfall and risk of more debris flowing this evening (July 15).

4:40 p.m.

Drive B.C. is reporting a mudslide on Highway 97 in the South Cariboo this afternoon (July 15).

According to the service, the incident has closed the road in both directions 17 km south of Clinton between Loon Lake Road and Pavilion Forest Service Road.

As of 4:30 p.m., crews are on scene assessing the situation.

It's unclear at this time if there are any injuries or when the highway will re-open.

Drivers should consider making other travel arrangements for the time-being.