Dozens of semi-trailers lined the gasoline alley area of Merritt after a number of highway closures on Jan. 7.
As of 2:30p.m. on Jan. 7, both Hwy. 3 and Hwy. 5A are closed for an avalanche risk due to the recent, and ongoing, heavy snowfall. Hwy. 5 between Hope and Merritt, has also been closed due to a vehicle incident.
The trio of events has completely shut down the connection between the Interior and the Lower Mainland for commercial vehicles, with many now stranded in Merritt.
Callers have reported the backup of transport trucks through the upper Bench, blanketing the large parking lots of locations such as No Frills, Walmart, and Canadian Tire. Many more are lined up along the side of Voght St., causing traffic to slow considerably due to the volume.
While there is still no estimate of a reopening for Hwy. 3 or Hwy. 5, Hwy. 5A is expected to reopen around 3p.m.
