Highway 99 reopened for second time in two weeks

Highway 99 is open again, having closed on Dec. 1 because of two landslides.

Only essential travel is allowed and commercial vehicles over 14,500 kilograms are restricted from using it, according to a release from B.C Transportation and Infrastructure, which says travel restrictions will be enforced by police checkpoints along the route.

Recent storms have left the province’s highway infrastructure in a vulnerable state, the release said. The province described the re-opened stretch of Highway 99, between Pemberton and Lillooet, as a steep mountainous road with narrow sections and sharp curves. Winter tires are required for travel along route.

The closure was initiated by a smaller slide on Dec. 1, and remained closed due to a second “substantial slide” that crossed the highway near Duffy Lake.

Highway 99 was also closed for several days last month because of a different landslide. 

READ MORE: Death toll rises to four as B.C. officials warn about next 'atmospheric river'

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