(UPDATE: Nov. 23 @ 7:25 pm) - The police incident that closed the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) between Hope and Merritt this afternoon has ended, the RCMP says.
As a result, the major route has reopened to traffic in both directions.
CLEAR - #BCHwy5 - Police incident between #HopeBC and #MerrittBC has been cleared and is FULL OPEN.#KelownaBC #KamloopsBC
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 24, 2022
"The incident that caused police to require the highway closure has come to a conclusion and we thank all motorists for their patience," said Sgt. Chris Manseau.
"The investigation into the need for the closure remains active and ongoing, and the public can anticipate seeing a marked increase in police vehicles in the area."
No further updates will be made tonight, police said, but a more fulsome update is expected to come Thursday.
coquihalla highway right now, police everywhere, @GlobalBC @CTVVancouver @CityNewsTraffic pic.twitter.com/E1OnSqSPSl
— Kevin Cage (@kcage604) November 23, 2022
In the meantime, the RCMP is asking anyone who was in the Juliet Bridge area, between Merritt and the Coquihalla summit, between noon and 2 pm to come forward if they witnessed anything.
Investigators are also looking to see any relevant dash cam footage from that time and area as well.
Any witnesses or those with footage can contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.
(Original story: Nov. 23 @ 3:10 pm) - Travellers heading to Highway 5 should be aware that the Coquihalla is currently closed.
DriveBC is reporting that a police incident has closed the highway between Hope and Merritt.
The highway was shut down at about 2:30 pm.
⛔CLOSED - #BCHwy5 - Police incident has the highway closed between #HopeBC and #MerrittBC.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 23, 2022
Assessment is in progress. Detour is available.
More info: https://t.co/x7eIkkNfv0#KelownaBC #KamloopsBC
An assessment is currently in progress and detours are available via Hwy 3 and Hwy 5A.
"A large number of policing resources from surrounding areas are being sent to the area of Juliet Bridge, just south of Merritt near the Coquihalla summit," says Sgt. Chris Manseau with the RCMP.
"Any public in the area are asked to avoid that area, and refrain from posting any police actions online."
There is no estimated time of reopening, however another update is anticipated for 4 pm.
NowMedia will update the story as more information becomes available.
Be sure to keep an eye on DriveBC's Twitter or website.
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