Due to the upcoming heavy rainfall and rain on snow at higher elevations, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is closing Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon on Monday (Dec. 4) at 7 p.m.

Highway 1 between Boothroyd and Siska (approximately nine kilometres south of Lytton) will be closed Monday evening until an assessment can be conducted Tuesday mid-morning.

Checkpoints will be set up just outside of Hope and Lytton to assist local traffic and to provide information on detour routes.

鈥淒rivers heading between the Lower Mainland and B.C.鈥檚 Interior can use Highway 3 (Hope-Princeton Highway) or Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway),鈥� the ministry said in their press release. 鈥淗owever, drivers are cautioned winter driving conditions, including snow and rain, are forecast for both routes.

鈥淲inter tires or chains are required on most routes in B.C. from Oct. 1 until April 30. Anyone travelling between the Lower Mainland and Interior should ensure their vehicle is properly equipped for winter and be prepared for delays by carrying food, water and blankets.鈥�

The closure was recommended by the ministry鈥檚 geotechnical experts as a precaution 鈥渋n case heavy precipitation overwhelms the area affected by the Kookipi Creek wildfire,鈥� which took place this summer.

To help assist maintenance crews, the ministry is also asking drivers to move over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This, they said, 鈥渨ill allow maintenance crews to clear the snow and improve road conditions to reduce hazards, and help motorists get safely to their destinations.鈥�

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