More Accidents and Closures on Area Highways

UPDATE: (1:15 pm) The Trans-Canada highway has re-opened to traffic but chain ups are required for Albert Canyon, Rogers Pass, 5 Mile Hill and 10 Mile Hill.

UPDATE: (10:00 am) Highway 97C is now fully opening following an early morning accident that closed the northbound lanes. The Trans-Canada Highway remains closed from Revelstoke to Golden because of spun out semis. The estimated time of opening is 11:00 a.m.

Original Story:

The area highways are once again treacherous Thursday morning as several accidents have closed the roads both east and west of Kelowna.

Plows out on the highways after Wednesday's storm (Photo Credit: BC Ministry of Transportation Rocky Mountain District)

Several weather advisories and travel advisories have been issued by both Environment Canada and DriveBC as conditions remain difficult after this week’s snow storm. A snowfall warning is in effect for the North Thompson and the North, East and West Columbia region.

A travel advisory is in place for the Okanagan connector as conditions are very slippery. Those slippery conditions on Highway 97C have already caused a significant accident just west of the Pennask Summit. Currently the highway there is closed westbound and no detour is available.

Plows out on the highways after Wednesday's storm (Photo Credit: BC Ministry of Transportation Rocky Mountain District)

Over on the Trans-Canada Highway crews struggle to reopen the road in Glacier Park as an accident has completely shut down the road. According to DriveBC there are reports of semi-trucks spun out 55 kilometres west of Golden and the highway is completely shut between Revelstoke and Golden.

If you need to drive on area highways please use extreme caution, avoid using peaking travel times and have your vehicle equipped with either snow tires or chains. Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case of accident of closure and plan your trip accordingly.