Image: DriveBC / Highway 7 is pictured about 2 km west of Hope, looking westbound.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Highway 1 diversion

Highway 1 w/b from Hope to Popkum to be closed today, diverted to Hwy. 7

Jan 21, 2026 | 7:41 AM

HOPE — Highway 1 westbound between Hope and Popkum will be closed during the day today due to road maintenance.

As both the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Emil Anderson Maintenance confirmed earlier this week, there will be paving on Highway 1 west of Hope from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today. That means Highway 3 traffic coming westbound from Manning Park or Sunshine Valley into Hope will be diverted through Exit 173, Old Hope Princeton Highway in Hope.

Traffic will then detour through town via Water Avenue and be routed to Highway 7, where motorists can rejoin Highway 1 westbound via Highway 9 near Popkum, or continue toward the Lower Mainland via Highway 7.

Emil Anderson is reminding motorists there will likely be a higher volume of traffic on Highway 7 during this work.

Highway 1 eastbound from Chilliwack to Hope is not impacted.

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“Our goal is to ensure you experience minimal inconvenience, and we encourage you to make the necessary travel preparations,” Emil Anderson Maintenance said. “We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.”

There will be paving on the Highway 3/5 split east of Hope on Thursday, Jan. 22 (overnight from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.): Highway 5 southbound in Merritt will be closed overnight to complete repairs. Highway 3 westbound traffic travelling from Princeton to Hope will move through a reduced-speed zone near the work zone.

During the closure windows, drivers are reminded to slow down, follow signage and obey traffic-control officials. Drivers are advised to expect delays and allow for additional travel time on these days.