Rock scaling work near Hope resulting in delays along Trans-Canada

HOPE — Rock scaling work is underway along the Trans-Canada highway approximately 10 kilometres west of Hope. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the work is expected to continue through May.

Officials estimated the process could result in as many as ten closures of 20 minutes Mondays through Saturdays. The Ministry says full highway closures will happen on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. while the last closure of the day will be at 6 p.m., although on Friday afternoons the last closure will be at 2 p.m. The closure will be near Exit 160 at Hunter Creek Road.

Scaling is a preventive measure to protect motorists from falling rocks. The ministry says a wildfire last fall burned away the vegetation that stabilized a bluff. Without the vegetation, the area is vulnerable to increased erosion which could lead to rockfalls.

Motorists have a detour option along Highway 7. Signs warning of delays are posted along Highway 1 before the turnoffs to the detour.