Despite being one of the most heavily damaged areas of the Interior after the Nov. 2021 floods, Hwy. 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge is expected to be partially reopened by the spring.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provided an update on Jan. 26 the current condition and construction projects being completed on the highway.

“Since the severe weather and flooding in November 2021, we have been in Phase 1 of our response: emergency access and temporary construction,” said the Ministry. “We anticipate this phase of work will be complete in the spring, including restoring access for residents.”

All in all, construction and repair crews are focused on 23 sites along the stretch. At five locations, temporary repairs have now been completed, while another five are underway, and 13 sites will see construction begin in the near future.

Some sections of the highway were so washed out that there is still not full access for construction crews to reach them. So far, teams have been able to reach from Spences Bridge to a washed-out section 24.9 km’s to the east towards Merritt.

Crews are beginning work on the rock/bridge end fill to rebuild the westside approach to 3-Mile Bridge. Crews have also now poured concrete to complete bridge abutment repairs at Rattlesnake Bridge.

Temporary repairs have been completed near the N’Kwala Recreation Site, a popular camping area and a launch for boats and kayaks.

“After clearing and preparing the area our team used rock and dirt fill to build up the road base and restore this section of highway,” said the Ministry.

The Ministry also acknowledged that signs of wildlife have begun to reappear along the route, including finding a beaver among the woody debris installation at the 29.4 km site.

Fish habitats also appear to have begun to restore.