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Following an almost two-month-long closure due to wildfires, Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) has reopened to limited travel through the Fraser Canyon area, according to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation.
The road was shut down on July 7, as the Brunswick wildfire complex raged around Boston Bar. It was briefly reopened that month, but then quickly shut down again as fires continued to burn.
The ministry says the highway will have single-lane-alternating traffic through a two-kilometre section — extending from one kilometre south of the Alexandra Bridge to one kilometre north of the Alexandra Tunnel.
B.C. Hydro crews, including several large cranes, are working to restore electric poles in the area, prompting traffic restrictions.
The ministry says a pilot vehicle will escort traffic through the route, and delays of up to 30 minutes should be expected.
Periodic full closures may take place between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day, leading to additional 30-minute delays.
“No stopping will be permitted within the active work and wildfire-affected areas of the corridor,” reads the ministry advisory.
Cyclists will not be allowed to travel through the area, the ministry says.
The Brunswick complex fires, composed of the Brunswick Creek and Aisnlie Creek fires, are still burning in the Boston Bar area.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire remains out of control at 92 square kilometres as of Wednesday evening.
The neighbouring Ainslie Creek wildfire, also out of control, covers an area of 677 square kilometres.
As of Wednesday evening, there are 12 evacuation alerts and nine orders still in effect between both fires.
The former means people must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, while the latter requires residents to leave immediately.
