(UPDATE: March 26 @ 10:50 am) - The Coquihalla is now open in both directions.
In shut down overnight due to multiple vehicle incidents as the major route was pounded by heavy snow.
DriveBC warns travellers that they should still expect sections of compact snow and slush, and urges people to drive to the conditions.
(UPDATE: March 26 @ 9 am) - The Coquihalla will be reopening later this morning.
After an overnight closure, DriveBC estimates that the southbound lanes will reopen at 10:30 am and northbound traffic will start flowing again at 11 am.
A snowfall warning remains in effect for the route, but it should be lifted relatively soon as Environment Canada predicts that the snow will taper off around midday.
⛔UPDATE - #BCHwy5 remains CLOSED between #Hope and #Merritt due to multiple vehicle incidents. #Coquihalla
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) March 26, 2026
➡️Southbound next update & estimated time of reopening: 10:30 AM PDT. ℹ️https://t.co/fMUyiL5vO7
➡️Northbound next update & estimated time of reopening: 11:00 AM PDT.… https://t.co/XSlmp2mR0k
(Original story: March 26 @ 6 am) - The Coquihalla Highway remains closed this morning due to a vehicle incident overnight.
DriveBC said motorists should "expect major delays."
A northbound closure is in effect between Hope and Merritt, from Exit 202: Portia to Exit 217: Zopkios Brake Check.
Southbound lanes are closed between Exit 217: Zopkios Brake Check and Exit 231: Mine Creek Rd.
The traffic monitor listed the cause as "non-compliant commercial vehicles at mandatory chain up location."
⛔REMINDER - #BCHwy5 Closed between #HopeBC & #Merritt due to vehicle incident. Use #BCHwy1 or #BCHwy3. https://t.co/GZBM7eOYDn #Coquihalla https://t.co/OK7bWmgRgU
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) March 26, 2026
Separately, a high-impact snowfall warning is in effect this morning for the highway between Hope and Merritt, with heavy snow expected to create hazardous driving conditions.
Environment Canada says total snowfall amounts of 25 to 35 centimetres are anticipated, with roughly 25 cm already having fallen overnight.
An additional five to 10 cm is expected before the snow tapers off around midday.
The snowfall follows a passing weather front, with periods of heavy snow continuing through the morning. Visibility may be reduced at times, particularly during heavier bursts.
Conditions in mountainous areas can shift quickly, and officials warn that travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly as snow continues to accumulate.
Drivers are advised to prepare for winter driving, including the use of winter tires or chains, and to check current road conditions through DriveBC before heading out.
