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B.C. Highway Flood Recovery Projects - Highway 8

Last updated on November 28, 2025

Highway 8 Flood Recovery Site Map - 5 sites complete, 17 sites in Planning and Design and 2 sites in construction

The November 2021 Atmospheric River damaged 24 sites along Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt. Permanent repairs are almost complete at the sites that were damaged by flooding in 2021. The remaining work to finish building new bridges at sites 9 and 10 will continue into 2026.

Overview

Permanent repairs are complete at 5 sites and are in progress at 19 sites.

Traffic impacts

Several sections of Highway 8 still have gravel surfaces with reduced speed zones. At sites 9 and 10 (between 14 to 15.3 km east of Spences Bridge) there are two single lane alternating bridges. Be prepared for potential traffic delays and watch for signs that identify sites under active construction.

Drivers are asked to use caution, obey speed limits and follow directions of traffic-control personnel.

For the latest information on road conditions, visit DriveBC.

Highway maintenance

Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd. regularly monitors the area and applies traction control (salt and sand) on the roads during winter conditions. Cobra Electric Interior Services LP is the electrical maintenance contractor for the region and maintains traffic signals and lights.

If you notice any hazards or issues on Highway 8 (such as potholes and faulty lights), please call: 1-888-899-9854

Closure protocol

Should Highway 1 or Highway 5 close in the future, Highway 8 will not be used as a detour as it is an active construction zone. Protocol to redirect traffic away from Highway 8 will prevent secondary closures and impacts on local residents. 

Messaging on available detour routes will be made available via message signs, www.DriveBC.ca and social media.

Check TranBC's Current Road Advisories for detailed information about highway travel disruptions during emergency situations.

Safer, more resilient infrastructure

Crew installing larger culverts to improve drainage at site 18

Installing larger culverts to improve drainage at site 18

The number of repair sites and their scale have allowed us to rebuild the highway so that it is safer and more resilient to extreme weather. This includes:

  • A new highway alignment at sites 9 and 10 that improves safe access for residents
  • Better armoring of slopes with riprap (large rocky material) to prevent scour and erosion
  • Deeper bridge foundations (footings) for greater structural integrity
  • Upsizing culverts to improve drainage
  • Modern road-building standards such as building a stronger road base, wider shoulders and concrete roadside barriers

Environmental restoration and enhancement

Coho salmon travelling past rocky clusters (groynes) at site 4

Coho salmon travelling past rocky clusters (groynes) at site 4

The Highway 8 team is committed to restoring, enhancing, and conserving the natural environment during highway construction. Throughout the corridor, several features have been designed to help fish and other wildlife in the Nicola Valley. These include:

  • In-stream rock clusters (called “groynes”)
  • Large woody debris placed beside or in the river
  • Streamside plants
  • Side channel habitats
  • Wildlife crossing tunnels

These additions strengthen existing habitats near the highway and create opportunities for new ones to form. The Ministry works with closely with other levels of government, First Nations, and environmental experts to identify the most appropriate natural features to restore areas after the devastation of the 2021 flooding.

The Highway 8 team also helps with post-construction monitoring to make sure the enhancements are doing their job to improve roadside environments. Young fish, adult coho salmon, and maturing plants have already been observed as a result of environmental work completed in 2022.

Collaboration with Nlaka’pamux communities

Working collaboratively with the Nlaka’pamux Nation to ensure that local interests and sensitivities are being respected throughout the highway rebuild

We work collaboratively with the Nlaka’pamux Nation to ensure that local interests and sensitivities are being respected throughout the highway rebuild.

Some of the ways we consult and involve local Indigenous communities in our work include:

  • First Nations contractors: to support Indigenous businesses and employ local workers.
  • Indigenous Monitors: to ensure that work is carried out in a culturally and environmentally responsible manner.
  • Community engagement: to consult on habitat restoration, traditional knowledge of the Nicola Valley, and collaborate on naming the two bridges at Sites 9 and 10 in the Nle?kepmxc’in (Nlaka’pamux or Thompson) language.
  • Purchasing from local communities: to support economic reconciliation through the purchase of 35,000+ local plants and other engineering materials.
  • Events and ceremonies: to celebrate and honour important milestones within local communities.

Sites

Sites 1 to 8

BC Highway 8 map showing sites 1-8

Sites 1 to 8 are located between 17.3 km west of Mamit Junction and 16 km east of Spences Bridge. 

  • All construction is complete

Sites 9 to 10

BC Highway 8 map showing sites 9-10

Sites 9 to 10 are located between 14 to 15.3 km east of Spences Bridge.

  • Final completion of construction is scheduled for September 2026

Sites 11 to 15

BC Highway 8 map showing sites 11-5

Sites 11 to 15 are located between 9.1 to 12 km east of Spences Bridge.

  • All construction is complete

Sites 16 to 19

BC Highway 8 map showing sites 16-19

Sites 16 to 19 are located between 6.6 to 8.7 km east of Spences Bridge.

  • All construction is complete

Sites 20 to 22

BC Highway 8 map showing sites 20-22

Sites 20 to 22 are located at 3 Mile Bridge, Rattlesnake Bridge and Curnow Bridge.

  • All construction is complete

 

 

News

Community newsletter

Photo gallery

Video

BC Highway 8 Aerial Flyover - Flood Response

 

BC Highway 8 Re-opened - A Side by Side of the Route - November 2021 and October 2022

 

Contact information

Friendly Url for this Page:
gov.bc.ca/highway8recovery

For more information contact:
General Enquiries

Phone
1-855-425-9416
Email
highway8.information@gov.bc.ca