Hwy 8 reopens to two-lane traffic for the first time since 2021 floods

After four years, the highway between Merritt and Spences Bridge is reopening to two-lane traffic.

The 2021 floods washed out numerous sections of Highway 8, cutting off access to communities, residences and local businesses along the corridor.

The highway was closed to the public for around 10 months and only partially reopened in fall 2022.

The reopening reflects significant progress with 23 of the 25 damaged sites permanently repaired.

“Repair work along the corridor included reinstating and retrofitting three compromised bridges, constructing two new climate-resilient bridges and restoring 13 kilometres of laneway lost to flooding,” the province said in a news release.

“The upgrades improve safety and reliability along the corridor and strengthen its ability to withstand weather-related events.”

Other improvements included the planting of vegetation along stream banks and the construction of side channels for fish habitats.

Remaining work is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

It will include environmental restoration, resurfacing of remaining sections of roadway, removal of two temporary bridges and rip-rap placement at sites 9 and 10 to protect the new structures.

Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures as crews complete final work activities.