Major B.C. Highway Projects Near Completion Amid Urgent Repairs

URGENT UPDATE: Major highway projects in British Columbia are nearing completion as significant repairs continue for routes severely damaged by the historic atmospheric river in November 2021. Travellers can expect substantial progress along Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt by the end of November 2023, while key improvements on Highway 1 are now operational.

In a breakthrough for traffic flow, the restoration of the grade separation at Tank Hill, located 14 kilometres east of Lytton, is largely complete. This new bridge over the CPKC mainline has now opened to two lanes of traffic, significantly reducing delays caused by train crossings that plagued drivers since the highway reopened in January 2022. Authorities report that the removal of the temporary detour is underway and expected to finish by the end of October 2023.

As repairs accelerate, the third lane on the bridge—a truck-climbing lane for southbound travellers—will also be completed shortly. Paving of the road approaches is finished, with safety barriers and signage in place. All remaining work at this critical junction is anticipated to be finalized by early November.

Meanwhile, preparations for replacement of the aging overhead bridge on Highway 1 at Sackum, 22 kilometres east of Lytton, are set to begin. A contractor has been selected for this $22.5 million project, which will introduce a new two-lane structure built to last 75 years. This realignment will eliminate an outdated passing lane and enhance safety on this vital route. Completion is targeted for summer 2027.

On Highway 8, work has been completed at eight locations, with repairs ongoing at 13 additional sites. The highway, which faced extensive damage during the atmospheric river, was closed for nearly a year. Significant progress is visible at Sites 9 and 10, 14 to 15.3 kilometres east of Spences Bridge, where road widening and utility relocations are completed. Construction of twin culverts at Site 10B has improved drainage, and most of the roadwork is nearing completion.

Permanent bridge structures are currently under construction, with foundations laid and substructures in place. Since the reopening of Highway 8 in November 2022, temporary single-lane bridges have facilitated traffic at these sites. Authorities confirm that permanent repairs at Sites 16–19 are also in progress, incorporating new road surfaces, concrete barriers, and rock armouring to bolster the highway’s resilience.

Drivers should remain cautious as single-lane alternating traffic is in effect at all active work sites, with intermittent closures to ensure safety during construction. For real-time updates on highway conditions and specific closures, officials urge travellers to check local sources.

With the completion of these projects, B.C. officials aim to enhance safety and efficiency on these critical transportation routes, significantly benefiting local communities and the travelling public. For more information and before-and-after photos of the ongoing work, visit official transportation websites.