Lanes on Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt to be closed over long weekend

COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY — Drivers on the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt may need to prepare for “significant” delays over the B.C. Day weekend.

Drainage work is underway on Highway 5 between Exit 250 and Exit 256, and lane closures are set to be in place in the area due to construction hazards.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit says these closures cannot be removed over the long weekend.

“With increased holiday traffic, the ongoing closure of Highway 1, wildfire activity and evacuations affecting other major routes, traffic volumes on the Coquihalla are expected to be much higher than normal, particularly on Friday, July 31, 2026, and Monday, Aug. 3, 2026,” said the Ministry.

Anyone travelling during these dates is asked to plan for delays by ensuring their vehicle has a full tank before departing, carrying plenty of drinking water and food items, and allowing for extra travel time.