B.C. Highway Flood Recovery Projects - Highway 8
Last updated on March 21, 2024
Highway 8 is open to the public, but it is not back to original capacity or function. Learn more about what to expect.
We would like to thank our dedicated crews, and everyone involved with rebuilding and reconnecting Highway 8.
Highway 8 Closure Protocol
Should Highway 1 or Highway 5 close in the future, Highway 8 will not be used as a detour as it is an active construction zone. Protocol to redirect traffic away from Highway 8 will prevent secondary closures and impacts on local residents.
Messaging on available detour routes will be made available via message signs, DriveBC.ca and social media.
Check TranBC's Current Road Advisories for detailed information about highway travel disruptions during emergency situations.
Location
- Highway 8 - Merritt to Spences Bridge
Status
- Community Newsletter - Highway 8 Information & Updates - March 2024 (PDF, 3.2MB)
- Temporary repairs on Highway 8 have been completed at all 30 locations. Several sections still have gravel surfaces with reduced speed zones.
- Design work for permanent repairs on the first section of damaged sites (sites 1 to 8) are currently in the Detailed Design phase.
- Construction on these sites is expected to begin in the summer. When construction begins, be prepared for potential traffic delays.
- McElhanney and Associated Engineering have been announced as the Owner’s Engineering team for the Highway 8 corridor. This firm will represent the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and lead critical engineering work.
- Geotechnical investigations are planned to begin in the spring. Residents and drivers may notice crews working in the western end of the corridor. Be prepared for and obey traffic control personnel and signage.
Environmental Enhancements
- The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure implemented environmental enhancements to improve fish and wildlife habitats during the emergency repair work in 2022.
- These environmental enhancements include rock groynes (clusters), large woody debris, riparian (streamside) plans, boulder clusters and off channel fish habitat restoration.
- Early monitoring has shown that riparian plants have begun to grow and young fish have started populating the side channels along the river.
- Throughout the winter and early spring (when water levels in the Nicola River are at their lowest), the Highway 8 team is gathering information on groundwater conditions.
- This information will help plan environmental restoration work, ensuring that the sites that are developed provide suitable habitats for fish during periods of low water.
- The Ministry will continue to work with Indigenous communities to identify the sites that are priority for developing fish habitats and streamside planting.
Clusters of rocks (groynes) at Site 4 (March-18-2022)
Highway Maintenance
- Highway 8's road maintenance contractor, Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd. (YRB), regularly monitors the area and applies traction control (salt and sand) on the roads during winter conditions
- If you notice any hazards or issues on Highway 8 (such as potholes and faulty lights), please contact Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd. at 1-888-899-9854
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Contact information
Friendly Url for this Page:
gov.bc.ca/highway8recovery
For more information contact:
General Enquiries