Urgent Warning: Highway 29 in B.C. Declared Dangerous by Mayor

UPDATE: The District of Hudson’s Hope Mayor Travous Quibell has issued an urgent warning that Highway 29 in northeast British Columbia is becoming increasingly dangerous, particularly as winter conditions approach. Authorities report multiple safety risks along this crucial roadway, which connects communities in the Peace River region.

Mayor Quibell emphasized that immediate maintenance from the province is essential, stating, “The highway itself is dangerous to pass, especially in the winter. And we’re into the winter now.” He raised alarms over two specific areas: the winding roads at Bear Flat and the risk of a washout at Halfway Hill.

If significant damage occurs, Quibell warns, the community could lose its main arterial route. “If that road were to fail, we lose essentially our arterial highway between Hudson’s Hope and the rest of the Peace Region,” he said. A narrow section of Halfway Hill has already shrunk to about one and a half lanes, forcing heavy industrial traffic to slow down to just 30 kilometers per hour.

The situation has escalated over the years, with the hill shifting and sinking, leading to a compromised road base. Quibell revealed, “The road base is moving. It’s typically sliding down the hill. We’re losing the edge of the road in a number of locations.” This precarious condition poses a serious risk to the many oil and gas workers who rely on this highway daily, traveling from Hudson’s Hope to Fort St. John.

Quibell highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of a road failure, particularly for emergency services. “An ambulance ride for a member of my community that takes an hour now becomes three hours,” he noted, emphasizing the critical reliance on this route for B.C. Ambulance vehicles when the town’s medical clinic is on diversion.

District Coun. Tashana Winnicky corroborated Quibell’s concerns, stating, “There is material that’s washing out underneath the road, and they’ve just been kind of putting material on top to fill it. But we don’t know how much material has been lost underneath it.” This lack of clarity regarding the road’s integrity raises alarm bells for local residents.

The Ministry of Transportation has acknowledged the issues, confirming that it is actively investigating the conditions of Highway 29. A spokesperson stated that they are collaborating with a geotechnical team to devise long-term solutions. The ministry also mentioned that recent rehabilitation efforts on the Halfway Hill stretch were completed this past fall, which included improved drainage and maintenance measures, but concerns remain.

As the winter months approach, the urgency grows. Residents and industry workers alike are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of this vital transportation route. The potential for a washout at Halfway Hill looms large, and the community is at a critical juncture.

What’s Next: Hudson’s Hope officials are pushing for immediate discussions with the provincial government to address these urgent safety concerns. Residents are urged to stay alert for updates as the situation develops.

Share this story to raise awareness about the dangers facing Highway 29 and the need for prompt action to protect the community.