High 3C. Although it is scenic and modern built, it poses many travel hazards. Highways 97C and 5A share the 28 km (17 mi) long route between Aspen Grove and Lower Nicola, where Highway 5A diverges immediately east and Highway 8 begins. It is very steep at both ends and although it is a modern highway, most truckers avoid traveling on it due to the extra gasoline expense that the steep inclines create. 13 km (8 mi) north of the snow shed, after passing through another interchange and the 1244 m (4,147 ft) Coquihalla Pass, Highway 5 reaches the former toll booth; it was the only highway in British Columbia to have tolls. We want your experiences too! Members are encouraged to submit articles about driving the Coquihalla. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. [1] It is the highest point on the highway between the cities of Hope and Merritt. On the one hand, you have the Othello Tunnels, which is what the park is most known for; on the other hand, you have the park's epic geology, rushing water and beautiful flora. Periods of rain except periods of snow near the summit. Theres a lot to take away from a conversation with Jamie Davis; rest assured, its never dull. Established in 1986 and clocking in at a respectable 159 hectares, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park is a truly magical place. ADVERTISEMENT 2-3cm of snow expected. High 1C. Wow, is David Poile ever rolling out the red carpet for his GM successor Barry Trotz. Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport. 1,244m (4,081ft) Coquihalla Pass. I would like to know, too. Highway 5, in both directions. 2023 Driving, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. It is not affiliated or sanctioned by the Government of BC, nor is it part of the provincial governments - DriveBC program or websites, operated by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The travel time between Hope to Kamloops is approximately 2 hours. To quote Highway from Hell's Jamie Davis, I cant criticize the Coquihalla. [8] The project was divided into three phases, with Phase 1 being the 115km (71mi) section between Hope and Merritt, Phase 2 being the 80km (50mi) section between Merritt and Kamloops, and Phase 3 being a 108km (67mi) branch between Merritt and Peachland, south of Kelowna. High 1C. Unless my logic is incorrect, something is wrong here. It encompasses 5,750 hectares (14,200 acres) of forested mountain slopes stretching from Portia Peak in the southwest to Coquihalla Lakes in the northeast. Built to enhance regional tourism and to lighten traffic on the busy trucking routes, the 303 km, 4-lane highway has 3 segments. The Coquihalla Valley has long been a major transportation route from the coast to the interior. Mountain pass in British Columbia, Canada, Southern approach to Coquihalla Summit as viewed from, List of mountain passes of the Cascade Range, "Editorials: Farewell to a prime politician", "Coquihalla Highway reopens after massive avalanche control operation", BC Ministry of Transportation and Highways Infopage, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coquihalla_Summit&oldid=1138202497, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from November 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 14:53. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. What you see are likely the old avalanche howitzer guns and bases that are roadside within avalanche paths. In British Columbia, motorists will find such information at www.shiftintowinter.ca. Stay tuned. The B.C. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. government for a new highway route to Hope, including a vehicle caravan that was staged eight times starting in 1963, over the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway grade, in order draw attention to the potential of this route. Chance of snow 60%. There isnt actually a single number to answer the question, because freezing levels very so much in the mountains around the Coquihalla. We have sent this question forward to the area operations manager for review. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 km/h. Powerful engines, harsh weather, and steep drop-offs are only a few of the elements that have defined Highway Thru Hell. el paso community college international students. Southbound travelers please use Britton creek rest Area exit 228. The speed limit is 100km/h (62mph) for the most part except in towns, where it can drop to as low as 50km/h (31mph). Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! The next issue of Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor will soon be in your inbox. Variably cloudy with snow showers. Mostly cloudy skies early. Also if the steepest part of the Coquihalla between Hope to Merritt is the Smasher, is there an equivalent between Merritt and Kamloops? The highway, varying between four and six lanes, is pretty good, some sections have frost heaves and uneven pavement but it's 2 lanes each way so slower traffic like trucks are not an issue. It also experiences extreme snowfall rates, with accumulation sometimes exceeding 10 cm per hour. Highway 5 re-enters the city at the Rayleigh community, where it passes two busy at-grade, but not signallized intersections; traffic volumes steadily decrease as it gets farther from the core area of Kamloops. This could include surveying, flagging and staking the right-of-way, mobilization of crews and equipment, preparing the right-of-way, clearing and grading, delivery and staging . Highway rescuer Jamie Davis recounts tales from one of Canada's fiercest winter roads. The road is named after Coquihalla River. 3 day. to have this designation. Chance of snow 50%. He possesses astonishing insight into the world of transportation and heavy rescue. You can only add up to 5 vehicles to your picks. minor construction | last updated Tue Feb 28 at 12:40 PM PST. [7][8] To ensure the project was completed on time, more than 10,000 people were needed to fill all of the jobs and more than 1,000 pieces of heavy equipment worked non-stop every day during the summer of 1985 to get it done. Modern use of the pass began in 1986 after construction of the first phase of the Coquihalla Highway (from Hope to Merritt). The Coquihalla approximately traces through the Cascade Mountains the route of the former Kettle Valley Railway, which existed between 1912 and 1958. Low -6C. Highway 97C. A few snow showers developing later in the day. [2] After 10 years in office, Waterland retired from the Cabinet in 1986 a few months after seeing this part of the project through to its completion. Go prepared, or go home. Old toll plaza washrooms closed. Traffic volumes thin out at that exit and shortly afterwards Highway 5 narrows to a 2 lane undivided road. On Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) will reopen to regular vehicle traffic between Hope and Merritt. Coquihalla conditions today The ascent to the Coquihalla Summit is very steep, especially from the south. [8], In 2003, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the Liberal government would turn over toll revenue to a private operator, along with responsibility for operation, and maintenance of "the Coq". [7], On May 16, 1986, Phase 1 was officially opened and Highway 5 was re-routed between Hope and Merritt; its construction required 31 bridges and underpasses and over 3.7million tonnes (4,100,000 short tons) of gravel. This will be a much more convenient route for people who need to travel between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, and is another significant milestone in the province's recovery from the devastating storms. Chance of snow 30%. Snow accumulations less than 2cm. Thanks for your comment anonymous. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing him on this very topic. Highway rescuer Jamie Davis, featured in the Discovery Channels Highway Thru Hell reality show, has seen it all on B.C.s infamous Highway 5. Ran it opening day may long weekend in 86 no signs for brake check at top of smasher it was quite the ride coming over the top at 100 km apparently motor ways put 6 in the runaway lanes that week so I was told. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 km/h. Highway 5 proceeds northeast for another 107km (66mi), passing Vavenby and Avola en route to the community of Blue River: a popular heliskiing location. Brace yourself winter is here. 30 km (19 mi) north of Little Fort, while continuing to follow the North Thompson and the CN Railway, Highway 5 reaches the community of Clearwater. It becomes a two-lane highway at Heffley Creek and the exit to Sun Peaks resorts, both of which indicate the final northern boundary of Kamloops. Highway 5, in both directions. OBEY ALL SIGNAGE. Snow accumulations less than 2cm. British Columbia is grappling with the aftermath of intense rainfall and floods, which washed away parts of major highways and forced people to evacuate from affected locations in the southern part of the province. Zopkios Southbound N Hwy 5, southbound at Zopkios Rest Area, near the Coquihalla Summit, looking northeast. Safe travels. This website is where the B.C. The latest music videos, short movies, tv shows, funny and extreme videos. Partly cloudy early, then some snow showers later in the day. Thanks for your comment!
In spring, summer or fall, it's a breeze, but in winter there are at least 400-500 accidents and plenty of fatalities. https://www.tranbc.ca/2012/11/01/5-things-to-learn-from-watching-highway-thru-hell/, https://www.tranbc.ca/2013/01/09/highway-thru-hell-the-complete-tranbc-interview-series/, https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx, https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/historical-drivebc-events, http://tranbc.ca/2016/03/24/what-its-like-to-watch-an-avalanche-from-a-helicopter/, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driving/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains, B.C. Its a fine highway. Chance of snow 60%. Hello John, Its highest altitude is the Pennask Summit (1728 m, 5760 ft, above sea level). Hope, at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley. So dangerous and dramatic is the highway, Discovery Channel chose it as the basis of their gripping and exceptionally popular reality series Highway Thru Hell, which features the rescue work and heavy towing services of Jamie Davis and his 40 or so dedicated employees. The Discovery Channel did a series called Highway Through Hell about this stretch of road. 's rural highways", "What You Need to Know About Winter Weather on the "Coq", "British Columbia's 12 deadliest highways", "Highway Thru Hell: tough, but Canadian-style tough", "Highways closed around B.C. Thanks for your comment. Sign up to receive Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Also I read that Surrey Lake Summit was formerly known as Clapperton Creek Summit. minor road condition | last updated Sat Mar 4 at 6:45 AM PST. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. He spoke of an incident that claimed the life of a Good Samaritan trying to help others involved in a crash on a dark snowy night. I have not been able to find information on Surrey Lake Summit on the website. Chance of snow 60%. Why we already paid for it plus some. In the line The Coquihalla averages 1,350mm of precipitation of which 1,150mm falls as snow, below the graph, you might want to change the units of measure. Bottom line: be certain you can spend five hours or possibly a day or two by yourself in a snowstorm. The Coquihalla approximately traces through the Cascade Mountainsthe route of the former Kettle Valley Railway, which existed between 1912 and 1958. Youre fatigued and the driving is its most treacherous. A diamond interchange at Exit 336 provides an important turn off to Logan Lake on Highway 97D and Lac le Jeune. The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol: 10 Steps to Highway Safety. Title: Elevation and Grade Profile on Highway 5 - Coquihalla Pass Author: BC Ministry of Transporation Subject: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Coquihalla was closed north of Hope on Sunday due to the July Creek wildfire, which jumped the highway and merged with the Brook Creek blaze on the other side. government says Highway 1 south of Hope should be reopened this. The Coquihalla section was a toll road until 2008. After separating from Highways 1 and 97, Highway 5 proceeds north for approximately 19 km (12 mi), temporarily leaving Kamloops city limits as a four-lane highway, before re-entering the city at the Rayleigh community and continuing north. Davis has seen them: the oblivious fools who wear shorts and sandals to drive the Coq in the winter in their low-slung performance machines shod in useless all-season tires. [22] DriveBC keeps up to date with reports on Coquihalla Highway conditions, including live webcams in several locations. I note that you give average daily traffic at 10,569 which works out to 3.9 million trips per year. Many lives have been lost or irreversibly altered on the Coq, and thats a difficult reality faced by Davis and his crew. 61 km (38 mi) and five interchanges later, the Coquihalla enters the city of Merritt at its south junction with Highway 5A and Highway 97C. Variable clouds with snow showers. Highway 5, southbound. pentecostal assemblies of the world ordination; how to start a cna school in illinois won't privatize Coquihalla Highway", "Alberta highway shouldn't claim Coquihalla", "Actions to improve safety on B.C. Crews continue to clear snow in anticipation of an opening early afternoon Saturday. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Reinstate the toll to pay for highway maintenance; any $$ not used on the Coq. Thanks for your message. Partly cloudy in the morning followed by periods of snow showers later in the day. You'll Have to go to the Southern Ocean off Antarctica, Dont Miss Springs Last Full Moon, the Strawberry Moon, Tropical Storm Cristobal Develops in Bay of Campeche, Cobbler Designs New Shoes for Social Distancing in Romania, ISS Crosses in Front of the Moon Captured in Rare Video, Cars Washed Away in El Salvador During Tropical Storm Amanda, England Cliff Collapse Leaves Houses Dangling, Murder Hornets Popping Up in New Places, Flooding Nightmare in Bangladesh Week after Cyclone Amphan, Heavy Rain Triggers Disastrous Mudslides in Southwestern China, Mosaic Floor Dating Back to the Roman Empire Discovered in Italy, Ancient Mass Extinction Linked to Collapsed Ozone Layer, India Under Attack From Insects, Outbreak and Oppressive Heat, Winters May Lose Its Punch as Climate Change Reduces Snowstorms. 61km (38mi) and five interchanges north of the former toll plaza. His "conviction that the route provided important benefits and an essential link to B.C. Signs along the Coquihalla Highway frequently warn drivers to be aware of sudden changes in weather. Discussion in 'Trucker Videos' started by TractorTrailer, Mar 24, 2013. The rules imposed by the United States Dec 2 2021 requiring a test 24hours before flying to the USA do not apply at the land border however You are still required to be fully vaccinated to drive to USA. There are remnants of a few structures which might be visible along this stretch: Avalanche bunkers where avalanche techs might have set up and used older military style explosives to trigger avalanches in the area; avalanche benches which are installed to stop the flow of snow onto the highway; or there is also the remnants of an old telecommunications gondola, which carried service workers up to the peak of Dog Mountain back in the day. In its whole length there is only one traffic signal, which is in the town of Valemount. Highway 97C. Coquihalla conditions today. Watch for traffic control. [21] Global News listed the stretch between Merritt and Hope as one of the deadliest highways in BC. High 2C. 19962023 bchighway.com - All Rights Reserved. The ascent to the Coquihalla Summit is very steep, especially from the south. We recommend that you check DriveBC before you travel, specifically the webcams, to get an idea of snow levels along the route. ), Collisions (when a vehicle crashes into something) and the subsequent investigation and clean up, BC day long weekend (29,114 on August 1, 2014), Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 10,569, 3.3 million Annual VKT/km (VKT/km represents the annual vehicle kilometres travelled, divided by the length of the roadway), Busiest traffic month: August (based on 2012 stats), The Coquihalla has twice or more the volume of traffic compared to any other highway that crosses a mountain path in BC (based on 2012 stats). There are some portions of the Coquihalla where cycling is prohibited. When can you count on there being no more snow on the Coq? The ascent to the Coquihalla summit is very steep, especially from the south. Families headed for ski trips, folks on business, and of course the inept holiday traveller so well-satirized by Clark Griswold in National Lampoons Vacation series. Why pay for it again? Its not like bombing around in Vancouver or Toronto, says Davis. Starting Wed Mar 8 at 9:00 AM PST until Fri Mar 10 at 5:00 PM PST. 1 Year A long steep 8%. Snow showers. 6-11 Months This stretch of road, which carries 97 South and 5 North on the same lanes (and vice versa), is the only other wrong-way concurrency in British Columbia, along with 99 North and 12 South, near the town of Lillooet. Variable clouds with snow showers. Coquihalla Lakes N Hwy 5, 61km south of Merritt, looking to the north. Safe travels. #Coquihalla 2:20pm March 3 Utility work planned between Harmon Rd and Vavenby Bridge Rd (Vavenby). Chance of snow 60%. To get a comparison I went to easily available statistics from Alberta, http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType181/production/LinkTrafficVolumeVehicleClassTravelESAL2014.pdf. For highway rescuer Jamie Davis, those words of wisdom come from 10 years of pulling wrecks from gullies along the snowbound Highway Thru Hell, otherwise known as B.C.'s . Hope that this information is helpful. Low around -10C. From 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM PST on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In 1953, the '5' designation was moved to designate Princeton-Merritt-Kamloops Highway (present-day Highway 5A) to north of Kamloops; by 1960 Highway 5 was extended north to Tte Jaune Cache and subsequently paved. minor incident | last updated Tue Feb 28 at 12:59 PM PST. Jamie Davis behind the wheel of one of his heavy rescue tow trucks. Signs along the Coquihalla Highway frequently warn drivers to be aware of sudden changes in weather. I am now glued to the TV show Highway Thru Hell and have a much better understanding of the miss-adventures of travel along the Coquihalla and how easily accidents can happen. I will be driving that route every other month during the non-snow tire months. Chance of snow 60%. Until Sun Mar 5 at 3:00 AM PST. Prepare for the seasons worst with our winter driving guide. Pennask Summit Hwy 97C (Okanagan Connector). It proceeds northeast for another 107 km (67 mi), passing Vavenby en route, to the community of Blue River, and then 109 km (68 mi) further north through the Columbia Mountains, passing by the community of Valemount to its northern terminus at Tte Jaune Cache, where it meets Highway 16. Low -4C. 5+ Years, Please select ALL of your current, valid drivers licenses. Coquihalla Summit S Hwy 5, about 7 km north of Zopkios Brake Check, looking the south. In May 2022, I drove the Coquihalla to/from my way to Edmonton for the first time. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The weather today in Coquihalla Thursday, 02 March 2023 . Stay tuned. From south to north, the following intersections are observed along Highway 5:[29][30], Highway 5 passing through Thompson Plateau. 2 Years Coquihalla Summit is not actually the highest point on the Coquihalla Highway, rather the Surrey Lake Summit[clarification needed] at 1,244m (4,081ft) is the highest point on the Coquihalla, which goes from Hope to the Highway 1 interchange outside of Kamloops. Watch for slippery sections between Loon Lake Rd and Merritt for 24.2 km (Merritt). 2. The toll booth once marked the halfway point of the formerly tolled Hope-to-Merritt portion of the highway. Expect minor delays. Highway 5 is a 543km (337mi) northsouth route in southern British Columbia, Canada. The severe winter snow and winds threaten even the most experienced and best-equipped drivers. A rescue is currently underway using helicopters to airlift people stuck between two landslides on Highway 7 near Agassiz. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Zopkios Southbound S Hwy 5, southbound at Zopkios Rest Area, near the Coquihalla Summit, looking southwest. Videos showing interesting road situations. The pass is named Kw'ikw'iya:la in the Halq'emeylem language used by the Stl, which means "stingy container" and refers specifically to a fishing rock near the mouth of what is now known as the Coquihalla River. By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below, I represent that I: By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below. Specific highway corridor? Youve probably driven it a few times, whether as a commuter or a BC traveller, or TONS of times as a commercial driver. Winds light and variable. Explosives, dropped from helicopters, and three days were needed to clear it. Snow showers before midnight. The small signs in the shape of old steam locomotives, The Coquihalla averages 1,350mm of precipitation of which 1,150mm falls as snow, The annual average peak snowpack (depth of snow on the ground) is 235cm at the summit, Average amount of winter abrasive used yearly: 40,000 m3, Average amount of anti-icing liquid used yearly: 3 million litres, During storm events, in addition to other equipment and snow plows VSA maintenance uses 3. The Coquihalla Highway, which appears to have snapped in two, is one of B.C.'s most important highways since it connects the city of Vancouver to the province Interior. [20] While road maintenance strives to keep the roads as clear as possible, it is not unheard of for the highway to shut down, sometimes with travellers forced to stay overnight in their cars. 35 km (22 mi) north of Othello, after passing through five interchanges, Highway 5 reaches the Great Bear snow shed, which is a landmark on the route. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Al Quiring and his team of heavy-tow operators have been rescuing trapped drivers and their vehicles from the treacherous Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia for years. ICBC tracks these statistics here: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx. 3 Years Parts of the Coquihalla Highway were washed away in heavy rains near the Caroline Mine area close to Hope, B.C. Watch premium and official videos free online. Chance of snow 60%. BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 17, 2021 The Coquihalla is one major route connecting the Interior to the Coast, and it remains closed between Hope and Merritt. The Coquihalla is one of the most popular highway mountain passes in BC. High 2C. Despite the entire route being signed as part of the Yellowhead Highway, the portion of Highway 5 south of Kamloops is also known as the Coquihalla Highway while the northern portion is known as the Southern Yellowhead Highway. People often leave after work not realizing that as the sun goes down the temperature drops, and the storm starts. Hope that this helps! Coquihalla Highway is an extreme freeway located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. Lane closures and short duration traffic stoppages will be in effect periodically. Driving the Smasher on the Coquihalla highway mid winter 2011 Astronomer Paul 187 subscribers Subscribe 68K views 11 years ago A cruise over the summit of the Coquihalla highway and down the. | next update Sat Mar 4 at 1:00 PM PST. Winds light and variable. [citation needed] As a result of the washout events, the Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopters completed rescue evacuations of stranded motorists on the highway.
In spring, summer or fall, it's a breeze, but in winter there are at least 400-500 accidents and plenty of fatalities. https://www.tranbc.ca/2012/11/01/5-things-to-learn-from-watching-highway-thru-hell/, https://www.tranbc.ca/2013/01/09/highway-thru-hell-the-complete-tranbc-interview-series/, https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx, https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/historical-drivebc-events, http://tranbc.ca/2016/03/24/what-its-like-to-watch-an-avalanche-from-a-helicopter/, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driving/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains, B.C. Its a fine highway. Chance of snow 60%. Hello John, Its highest altitude is the Pennask Summit (1728 m, 5760 ft, above sea level). Hope, at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley. So dangerous and dramatic is the highway, Discovery Channel chose it as the basis of their gripping and exceptionally popular reality series Highway Thru Hell, which features the rescue work and heavy towing services of Jamie Davis and his 40 or so dedicated employees. The Discovery Channel did a series called Highway Through Hell about this stretch of road. 's rural highways", "What You Need to Know About Winter Weather on the "Coq", "British Columbia's 12 deadliest highways", "Highway Thru Hell: tough, but Canadian-style tough", "Highways closed around B.C. Thanks for your comment. Sign up to receive Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Also I read that Surrey Lake Summit was formerly known as Clapperton Creek Summit. minor road condition | last updated Sat Mar 4 at 6:45 AM PST. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. He spoke of an incident that claimed the life of a Good Samaritan trying to help others involved in a crash on a dark snowy night. I have not been able to find information on Surrey Lake Summit on the website. Chance of snow 60%. Why we already paid for it plus some. In the line The Coquihalla averages 1,350mm of precipitation of which 1,150mm falls as snow, below the graph, you might want to change the units of measure. Bottom line: be certain you can spend five hours or possibly a day or two by yourself in a snowstorm. The Coquihalla approximately traces through the Cascade Mountainsthe route of the former Kettle Valley Railway, which existed between 1912 and 1958. Youre fatigued and the driving is its most treacherous. A diamond interchange at Exit 336 provides an important turn off to Logan Lake on Highway 97D and Lac le Jeune. The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol: 10 Steps to Highway Safety. Title: Elevation and Grade Profile on Highway 5 - Coquihalla Pass Author: BC Ministry of Transporation Subject: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The Coquihalla was closed north of Hope on Sunday due to the July Creek wildfire, which jumped the highway and merged with the Brook Creek blaze on the other side. government says Highway 1 south of Hope should be reopened this. The Coquihalla section was a toll road until 2008. After separating from Highways 1 and 97, Highway 5 proceeds north for approximately 19 km (12 mi), temporarily leaving Kamloops city limits as a four-lane highway, before re-entering the city at the Rayleigh community and continuing north. Davis has seen them: the oblivious fools who wear shorts and sandals to drive the Coq in the winter in their low-slung performance machines shod in useless all-season tires. [22] DriveBC keeps up to date with reports on Coquihalla Highway conditions, including live webcams in several locations. I note that you give average daily traffic at 10,569 which works out to 3.9 million trips per year. Many lives have been lost or irreversibly altered on the Coq, and thats a difficult reality faced by Davis and his crew. 61 km (38 mi) and five interchanges later, the Coquihalla enters the city of Merritt at its south junction with Highway 5A and Highway 97C. Variable clouds with snow showers. Highway 5, southbound. pentecostal assemblies of the world ordination; how to start a cna school in illinois won't privatize Coquihalla Highway", "Alberta highway shouldn't claim Coquihalla", "Actions to improve safety on B.C. Crews continue to clear snow in anticipation of an opening early afternoon Saturday. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Reinstate the toll to pay for highway maintenance; any $$ not used on the Coq. Thanks for your message. Partly cloudy in the morning followed by periods of snow showers later in the day. You'll Have to go to the Southern Ocean off Antarctica, Dont Miss Springs Last Full Moon, the Strawberry Moon, Tropical Storm Cristobal Develops in Bay of Campeche, Cobbler Designs New Shoes for Social Distancing in Romania, ISS Crosses in Front of the Moon Captured in Rare Video, Cars Washed Away in El Salvador During Tropical Storm Amanda, England Cliff Collapse Leaves Houses Dangling, Murder Hornets Popping Up in New Places, Flooding Nightmare in Bangladesh Week after Cyclone Amphan, Heavy Rain Triggers Disastrous Mudslides in Southwestern China, Mosaic Floor Dating Back to the Roman Empire Discovered in Italy, Ancient Mass Extinction Linked to Collapsed Ozone Layer, India Under Attack From Insects, Outbreak and Oppressive Heat, Winters May Lose Its Punch as Climate Change Reduces Snowstorms. 61km (38mi) and five interchanges north of the former toll plaza. His "conviction that the route provided important benefits and an essential link to B.C. Signs along the Coquihalla Highway frequently warn drivers to be aware of sudden changes in weather. Discussion in 'Trucker Videos' started by TractorTrailer, Mar 24, 2013. The rules imposed by the United States Dec 2 2021 requiring a test 24hours before flying to the USA do not apply at the land border however You are still required to be fully vaccinated to drive to USA. There are remnants of a few structures which might be visible along this stretch: Avalanche bunkers where avalanche techs might have set up and used older military style explosives to trigger avalanches in the area; avalanche benches which are installed to stop the flow of snow onto the highway; or there is also the remnants of an old telecommunications gondola, which carried service workers up to the peak of Dog Mountain back in the day. In its whole length there is only one traffic signal, which is in the town of Valemount. Highway 97C. Coquihalla conditions today. Watch for traffic control. [21] Global News listed the stretch between Merritt and Hope as one of the deadliest highways in BC. High 2C. 19962023 bchighway.com - All Rights Reserved. The ascent to the Coquihalla Summit is very steep, especially from the south. We recommend that you check DriveBC before you travel, specifically the webcams, to get an idea of snow levels along the route. ), Collisions (when a vehicle crashes into something) and the subsequent investigation and clean up, BC day long weekend (29,114 on August 1, 2014), Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 10,569, 3.3 million Annual VKT/km (VKT/km represents the annual vehicle kilometres travelled, divided by the length of the roadway), Busiest traffic month: August (based on 2012 stats), The Coquihalla has twice or more the volume of traffic compared to any other highway that crosses a mountain path in BC (based on 2012 stats). There are some portions of the Coquihalla where cycling is prohibited. When can you count on there being no more snow on the Coq? The ascent to the Coquihalla summit is very steep, especially from the south. Families headed for ski trips, folks on business, and of course the inept holiday traveller so well-satirized by Clark Griswold in National Lampoons Vacation series. Why pay for it again? Its not like bombing around in Vancouver or Toronto, says Davis. Starting Wed Mar 8 at 9:00 AM PST until Fri Mar 10 at 5:00 PM PST. 1 Year A long steep 8%. Snow showers. 6-11 Months This stretch of road, which carries 97 South and 5 North on the same lanes (and vice versa), is the only other wrong-way concurrency in British Columbia, along with 99 North and 12 South, near the town of Lillooet. Variable clouds with snow showers. Coquihalla Lakes N Hwy 5, 61km south of Merritt, looking to the north. Safe travels. #Coquihalla 2:20pm March 3 Utility work planned between Harmon Rd and Vavenby Bridge Rd (Vavenby). Chance of snow 60%. To get a comparison I went to easily available statistics from Alberta, http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType181/production/LinkTrafficVolumeVehicleClassTravelESAL2014.pdf. For highway rescuer Jamie Davis, those words of wisdom come from 10 years of pulling wrecks from gullies along the snowbound Highway Thru Hell, otherwise known as B.C.'s . Hope that this information is helpful. Low around -10C. From 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM PST on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In 1953, the '5' designation was moved to designate Princeton-Merritt-Kamloops Highway (present-day Highway 5A) to north of Kamloops; by 1960 Highway 5 was extended north to Tte Jaune Cache and subsequently paved. minor incident | last updated Tue Feb 28 at 12:59 PM PST. Jamie Davis behind the wheel of one of his heavy rescue tow trucks. Signs along the Coquihalla Highway frequently warn drivers to be aware of sudden changes in weather. I am now glued to the TV show Highway Thru Hell and have a much better understanding of the miss-adventures of travel along the Coquihalla and how easily accidents can happen. I will be driving that route every other month during the non-snow tire months. Chance of snow 60%. Until Sun Mar 5 at 3:00 AM PST. Prepare for the seasons worst with our winter driving guide. Pennask Summit Hwy 97C (Okanagan Connector). It proceeds northeast for another 107 km (67 mi), passing Vavenby en route, to the community of Blue River, and then 109 km (68 mi) further north through the Columbia Mountains, passing by the community of Valemount to its northern terminus at Tte Jaune Cache, where it meets Highway 16. Low -4C. 5+ Years, Please select ALL of your current, valid drivers licenses. Coquihalla Summit S Hwy 5, about 7 km north of Zopkios Brake Check, looking the south. In May 2022, I drove the Coquihalla to/from my way to Edmonton for the first time. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The weather today in Coquihalla Thursday, 02 March 2023 . Stay tuned. From south to north, the following intersections are observed along Highway 5:[29][30], Highway 5 passing through Thompson Plateau. 2 Years Coquihalla Summit is not actually the highest point on the Coquihalla Highway, rather the Surrey Lake Summit[clarification needed] at 1,244m (4,081ft) is the highest point on the Coquihalla, which goes from Hope to the Highway 1 interchange outside of Kamloops. Watch for slippery sections between Loon Lake Rd and Merritt for 24.2 km (Merritt). 2. The toll booth once marked the halfway point of the formerly tolled Hope-to-Merritt portion of the highway. Expect minor delays. Highway 5 is a 543km (337mi) northsouth route in southern British Columbia, Canada. The severe winter snow and winds threaten even the most experienced and best-equipped drivers. A rescue is currently underway using helicopters to airlift people stuck between two landslides on Highway 7 near Agassiz. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Zopkios Southbound S Hwy 5, southbound at Zopkios Rest Area, near the Coquihalla Summit, looking southwest. Videos showing interesting road situations. The pass is named Kw'ikw'iya:la in the Halq'emeylem language used by the Stl, which means "stingy container" and refers specifically to a fishing rock near the mouth of what is now known as the Coquihalla River. By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below, I represent that I: By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below. Specific highway corridor? Youve probably driven it a few times, whether as a commuter or a BC traveller, or TONS of times as a commercial driver. Winds light and variable. Explosives, dropped from helicopters, and three days were needed to clear it. Snow showers before midnight. The small signs in the shape of old steam locomotives, The Coquihalla averages 1,350mm of precipitation of which 1,150mm falls as snow, The annual average peak snowpack (depth of snow on the ground) is 235cm at the summit, Average amount of winter abrasive used yearly: 40,000 m3, Average amount of anti-icing liquid used yearly: 3 million litres, During storm events, in addition to other equipment and snow plows VSA maintenance uses 3. The Coquihalla Highway, which appears to have snapped in two, is one of B.C.'s most important highways since it connects the city of Vancouver to the province Interior. [20] While road maintenance strives to keep the roads as clear as possible, it is not unheard of for the highway to shut down, sometimes with travellers forced to stay overnight in their cars. 35 km (22 mi) north of Othello, after passing through five interchanges, Highway 5 reaches the Great Bear snow shed, which is a landmark on the route. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Al Quiring and his team of heavy-tow operators have been rescuing trapped drivers and their vehicles from the treacherous Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia for years. ICBC tracks these statistics here: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx. 3 Years Parts of the Coquihalla Highway were washed away in heavy rains near the Caroline Mine area close to Hope, B.C. Watch premium and official videos free online. Chance of snow 60%. BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 17, 2021 The Coquihalla is one major route connecting the Interior to the Coast, and it remains closed between Hope and Merritt. The Coquihalla is one of the most popular highway mountain passes in BC. High 2C. Despite the entire route being signed as part of the Yellowhead Highway, the portion of Highway 5 south of Kamloops is also known as the Coquihalla Highway while the northern portion is known as the Southern Yellowhead Highway. People often leave after work not realizing that as the sun goes down the temperature drops, and the storm starts. Hope that this helps! Coquihalla Highway is an extreme freeway located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. Lane closures and short duration traffic stoppages will be in effect periodically. Driving the Smasher on the Coquihalla highway mid winter 2011 Astronomer Paul 187 subscribers Subscribe 68K views 11 years ago A cruise over the summit of the Coquihalla highway and down the. | next update Sat Mar 4 at 1:00 PM PST. Winds light and variable. [citation needed] As a result of the washout events, the Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopters completed rescue evacuations of stranded motorists on the highway.