Image: The Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park before they were damaged by an atmospheric river in November 2021. / Franky / Dreamstime

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Atmospheric River

Coquihalla Canyon Park to reopen next week

Aug 12, 2024 | 11:57 AM

HOPE — BC Parks says it expects Coquihalla Canyon Park will partially reopen next week following years of planning and restoration work. In a newsletter released recently, it says Phase One of the park’s recovery plan is nearing completion.

Work has focused on rock and tunnel stabilization and trail restoration. Repairs have been made to a standard that officials believe will make the park more resilient to severe weather.

The park suffered extensive damage during the November 2021 atmospheric river event that swept across southern B.C. Access roads, trails, tunnels and bridges in the park were severely damaged. A team of engineers and professionals was assembled to produce a plan to bring the park back to life.

Construction work on Phase One began in the spring. During the work, the team found higher-than-expected amounts of unstable rock that needed removal from the trail. The team also determined that more rigorous stabilization work would be required within and outside of the tunnels to increase public safety.

Once Phase One opens, the focus will turn to Phase Two of the project, which will include stabilizing Tunnel Five, removing one bridge, and installing a new single-span bridge. If all goes well, Phase Two will be complete by the summer of 2025

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The park has developed into a popular tourist destination since the province took over the former Kettle Valley Railway property. The rail line was considered a modern-day engineering wonder when it opened in 1914 but was plagued by washouts and rock slides over the years. It was finally abandoned in 1961. The province turned the area into a recreational site in 1986.