Restrictions remaining on Highway 3 until Coquihalla reopens in 2022, officials say

There's bad news for B.C. residents hoping to drive between the Lower Mainland and Interior this holiday season.

There's bad news for B.C. residents hoping to drive between the Lower Mainland and Interior this holiday season.

Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said the government is planning to keep Highway 3 restricted to essential traffic until the Coquihalla Highway can be reopened, which isn't expected to happen until January, at the earliest.

"With upwards of about 3,000 trucks a day now on that highway, with its steep grades and tight curves, it would be dangerous to mix leisure passenger traffic in with convoys of trucks," Fleming said.

The Coquihalla sustained extensive damage during last month's historic storm, with one raised section of the highway snapping and collapsing at Juliet Creek. The chances of reopening in time for the holidays appears to be nil.

But Fleming said the province is working to ensure people have alternative options for travelling this month, working with airlines to increase flights from the Vancouver and Abbotsford airports into the Interior and also adjusting the current restrictions to allow intercity buses on Highway 3.

"We know, especially in a year like this one, people want to see their loved ones this holiday season and we're doing what we can to support you," the minister said.

The government said companies such as E-Bus, Mountain Express and Mountain Man Mike will be transporting people back and forth across the southwestern province this month.