Crews with the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are undertaking a critical safety operation on a major provincial route this Saturday evening. Highway 3 at the Kootenay Pass will be fully closed to traffic to allow for the removal of avalanche deposits that have accumulated on the roadway.
Closure Details and Travel Advisory
The scheduled closure is set for a seven-hour window on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The work zone is specifically located on Highway 3 as it traverses the challenging terrain of Kootenay Pass. Officials are urging all motorists to plan for significant disruptions and to expect lengthy traffic delays during this period.
DriveBC, the province's official traffic information source, confirmed the closure and shared an image of the conditions necessitating the work. The operation involves heavy machinery and crews working to clear snow and debris deposited by recent avalanches, a common but hazardous occurrence in the mountain passes during winter months.
Safety Imperative Behind the Closure
The proactive removal of avalanche debris is a standard yet vital safety procedure for maintaining BC's highway network. Leaving such deposits on the road creates severe hazards for drivers, including:
- Sudden reductions in lane width
- Unexpected ice and compacted snow surfaces
- Potential for hidden obstacles within the snow
- Increased risk of secondary avalanches
A full closure is often deemed necessary to ensure the safety of both the work crews and the public, allowing operations to proceed efficiently without the danger of moving traffic.
Alternate Routes and Preparedness
Travelers intending to use Highway 3 through the Kootenay Pass region on Saturday evening must seek alternate routes or adjust their travel times. The ministry advises checking the DriveBC website or mobile app for real-time updates on the closure's status and for information on recommended detours, which may be lengthy given the geography of the area.
Motorists who cannot avoid the area during the closure window should be prepared for winter driving conditions. This includes ensuring vehicles are equipped with proper winter tires, carrying an emergency kit with blankets and food, and having a full tank of fuel.
The ministry typically schedules these essential maintenance operations during lower-traffic periods where possible, but weekend travel can still be heavily impacted. The completion of this work is crucial for restoring safe passage on this key transportation corridor connecting communities in southeastern British Columbia.
