Highway to stay closed
The main route between Penticton and Keremeos is expected to remain closed for at least a few more days following a mudslide Friday morning that sent a torrent of debris down across Highway 3A and into Yellow Lake.
No one was caught in the slide, which left an estimated 9,000 cubic metres of material – enough to fill nearly four Olympic-sized swimming pools – to be cleared away.
“While the site is still showing signs of (slide) activity, our maintenance contractor is in the process of cleaning up the remaining debris with safety protocols in place,” the Transportation Ministry said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
“Weather and conditions permitting, the debris cleanup is expected to be complete late Monday. There is also extensive damage to the highway that will need to be repaired once the debris has been cleaned up.”
Seven pieces of equipment – five rock trucks, an excavator and a loader – are on site handling the cleanup.
“The ministry does not have a confirmed opening (date) at this time but expects the highway will be open later this week, once all repairs to the highway can be completed and the continued risk of more debris coming down the slope is diminished and engineers confirm it is safe for the travelling public,” the statement added.
Drivers heading towards Keremeos from Penticton are being turned around at the Kaleden junction and told to detour onto Highway 3 through Osoyoos and Cawston, adding about 30 minutes to the trip.