Hwy 5 near Blue River reopens to single lane after flooding

A drone image shows the flood damage along Highway 5 between Valemount and Blue River. /Image supplied by Emil Anderson Road Maintenance

By Spencer Hall & Laura Keil

As of 7:30pm Sunday, Highway 5 had re-opened to single lane alternating traffic at the Chappell Creek Recreation Site about 30 km north of Blue River after being closed for nearly a full day due to flooding.

The highway closed at about 8:06 p.m. Saturday evening.

Highway 5 was closed in both directions Saturday due to flooding that blocked the roadway near Chappell Creek, some 30km north of Blue River and south of Valemount. The highway has since reopened to single lane alternating traffic. /Submitted

Ministry Of Transportation and Transit said heavy rain combined with seasonal run-off caused creeks at Chappell Creek and Allen Creek to overflow, spilling onto the highway and causing damage. A third location at Lempriere saw mud and debris come onto the road.

The Ministry said Sunday afternoon they and the highway maintenance contractor are working to clear debris and assess the damage.

“Heavy equipment is on site, and additional crews and machinery have been brought in from outside the area,” the Ministry said in a statement. “Repairs to the highway will begin as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The closure is located near Chappell Creek, about 30 km north of Blue River. /DriveBC

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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