The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is moving swiftly to repair significant flood damage from a severe December storm, announcing a series of full highway closures near Hope this week.
Closure Schedule and Detour Routes
The ministry stated it is taking advantage of a favourable weather window to conduct the urgent repairs as quickly as possible. The work will address safety concerns related to current pavement conditions caused by the late-2025 flooding.
On Tuesday, January 20, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Highway 3 will be fully closed between the Highway 3/5 split and the Hunter Creek Scale. Traffic will be diverted via Exit 173 onto the Old Hope Princeton Highway through the town of Hope, reconnecting to Highway 1 westbound.
The following day, Wednesday, January 21, also from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Highway 1 will close west of Hope. Highway 3 traffic will again be rerouted through Exit 173 and Hope town centre via Water Avenue, then directed to Highway 7. From there, motorists can rejoin Highway 1 westbound via Highway 9 or continue toward the Lower Mainland on Highway 7.
Overnight Work on the Coquihalla
A third closure is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., affecting Highway 5 southbound in Merritt to complete repairs. Additionally, Highway 3 westbound traffic travelling from Princeton to Hope will encounter a reduced-speed zone near the active work area.
The ministry emphasized that the full closures are necessary for crew safety and to expedite the repairs. Drivers are strongly advised to expect significant delays and to allow for extra travel time on these dates.
Background on the Damage
The need for these emergency repairs stems from a powerful storm that hit the region in December 2025, causing widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure. The event was significant enough to draw public attention, as illustrated by a photo from December 12, 2025, showing local Abbotsford teens Ace Nipkow and Aamir Khera, both 14, inspecting flooding near the Trans-Canada Highway at Whatcom Road.
With the forecasted dry weather, provincial crews are now seizing the opportunity to fix the storm's lingering impacts on these critical transportation corridors before further deterioration occurs.
