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The B.C. Ministry of Transportation says Highway 3 could reopen earlier than expected after it was washed away by heavy rains last week.
The 50-metre section of the highway between Princeton, B.C., and Hope could open between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, according to a news release from the province on Sunday.
“Contractors are working around the clock to restore the highway and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit is sourcing material and supplies as quickly as possible,” the province said.
The site has been cleared and the road re-routed while repairs are underway, it added.
The ministry initially estimated it would take weeks to restore access to the road, but engineering staff now say less construction is needed and utilities won’t have to be relocated.
Still, significant design and reconstruction will be required and drivers will use a temporary detour with a reduced speed limit of 30 km/h until permanent repairs are finished, the province said.
Access to the temporary detour may also be restricted to passenger vehicles depending on conditions.
The province recommends travellers check www.DriveBC.ca for the latest updates.