‘It’s been insane:’ Princeton mayor hoping Coquihalla stays open following flood events

With the main highway connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior set to open tomorrow, Princeton’s mayor is hopeful it stays that way.

Following massive flood events last month, the Coquihalla will open tomorrow, Dec. 20 to essential traffic. Later this week, Highway 3 will open to non-essential traffic.

READ MORE: Main B.C. highway to reopen to essential traffic by Monday after storms

Mayor Spencer Coyne said his biggest concern is how long the road will stay open with current winter weather conditions and some of the impatience experienced among drivers.

The Highway 3 connection, running through the small Similkameen community, has been closed numerous times due to vehicle accidents in the last month. Last night, Highway 5A was closed for hours, he said.

“Last night there were trucks backed up all night long. People were putting chains on downtown right before they went up the hill. It’s been non-stop, either the road is closed… it’s usually closed,” he said.

Initially, Coyne was helping direct traffic through town when the Coquihalla closed due to landslides but has since relinquished that duty.

He asks drivers to pay attention to the road conditions and expect long wait times this Christmas season.

“Pack for a long stay on the highway… because you could be up there for hours and hours,” Coyne said.

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