Highway 7 west of Hope, B.C., remains closed due to rock slide damage

Highway 7, a key route west of Hope, B.C., remains closed due to a significant rock slide, with the province estimating a reopening date of November 27. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in British Columbia stated that rock scaling and slope stabilization work is currently underway at the site, as more rocks continue to fall.

Efforts to stabilize the area involve bringing down loose rocks to guarantee the safety of the location. Hope, situated around 150 kilometers east of Vancouver, is the nearest town affected by the closure. Once stabilization work is completed, crews will proceed to clear the debris and address the extensive damage caused to the highway.

According to Drive B.C., the provincial traveler information service, the rock slide occurred Thursday evening between 7 Day Adventist Youth Camp Road and Ross Road, west of Hope. Photos shared on social media by the Ministry of Transportation depicted a chaotic scene, with power poles and lines down, and large boulders scattered across the highway.

As a result of the closure, travelers heading east to Hope from the north side of the Fraser River will need to divert to Highway 1 on the south side. The Ministry aims to prioritize access for emergency services through the site as soon as possible.

The challenging task ahead involves repairing the damaged highway, including potential base repairs and pavement replacement due to the substantial rockfall. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes until the reopening of Highway 7 on November 27. The closure signifies a disruption in travel for commuters and highlights the ongoing battle against natural elements in maintaining road safety.