B.C. Highway Flood Recovery Projects - Highway 5 - Coquihalla

Recovery work on Highway 5 is complete, with all bridges restored to full capacity permanently. 

Location

Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) between Hope and Merritt

Event description

Highway 5 was closed to regular vehicle traffic on Nov. 14, 2021, due to damage caused by an atmospheric river. 

Flooding and washouts associated with the November 2021 rain damaged more than 20 sites along 130 kilometres of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt.

This included seven bridges where spans completely collapsed or were heavily damaged.

More than 300 workers using 200 pieces of equipment moved more than 400,000 cubic metres of gravel, rock and other material to repair and reopen Highway 5 to commercial vehicle traffic in 35 days, on Dec. 20, 2021, and to all traffic on Jan. 19, 2022.

Temporary detours and repairs at the bridge sites restored capacity on the Coquihalla to four lanes in December 2022.

Status​

New permanent bridges have been built at the following sites:

• Northbound at Juliet Bridge (Completed December 2022)
• Northbound at Bottletop Bridge (Completed May 2023)
• Southbound at Jessica Bridge (Completed May 2023)
• Southbound at Juliet Bridge (Completed July 2023)
• Southbound at Bottletop Bridge (Completed October 2023)
• Northbound at Jessica Bridge (Completed October 2023)

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

The new permanent bridges have been built to be more resilient to extreme weather events, including:

• Deep pile footings and longer bridge spans to withstand high water levels.
• Large rock protection to prevent erosion and scour
• Replanted trees, shrubs and grasses to protect streambanks and increase shade.

Remaining Work

Although construction is done, minor work will continue on Highway 5 over the next year, including:

• Monitoring bridge and road works over the winter
• Completing detailed inspections in the spring
• Completing the restoration of wildlife and fish habitat next spring and summer, including extensive planting in wildlife corridors and along streams.

Environmental Restoration

In collaboration with local Indigenous communities and cultural monitors, environmental restoration has taken place to restore wildlife and aquatic habitat at each bridge site, and create wildlife crossings to increase connectivity for animals in the valley.

Improving Fish Habitat:

• In-stream enhancements in the Coquihalla River, Coldwater River, and Juliet Creek have been designed to improve fish habitat.
• This includes rocks and log clusters, which create small pools that are easier for fish to spawn in and locations with slower moving water so the fish can rest.

Planting:

• Native plant species have been replanted at each bridge site. 

These plants will encourage the use of the wildlife crossings under each bridge and provide shade over the water to enhance fish habitat.

Community update

• Community Newsletter - Highway 5 Information & Updates –  November 2023 (PDF, 5.4 MB)

Contractors

The development and construction work on sections of the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt was completed by KEA5, a joint venture between Kiewit and Emil Anderson Construction.

The project was completed through a collaborative construction model where the owner and contractor worked together to complete the design and construction of the project, including sharing risks and incentives.

​Photo gallery