Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill
Last updated on May 1, 2025
Open. Construction underway following reactivation of a historic slide.
Notice of work
Onsite works have resumed this spring, with activities scheduled to include:
- Roadwork, such as grading and paving
- Installation of signs
- Implementation of single-lane traffic northbound and southbound but not at the same time
Please drive with caution, obey road signs and check DriveBC for updates that may impact travel times
Location map
Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill is located approximately 18 km north of Quesnel.
Status
Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill is currently open. The Cottonwood Hill project includes stabilization of the affected area of Highway 97, a north-south route that provides access to communities in the region and is vital to B.C.’s economy.
The project team undertook work to determine a safe and climate resilient solution, which included:
- Options development, which includes investigations on soil and water
- Undertaking environmental reviews and on-site inspections
- Improving drainage and modifying slopes
Project scope
The project will be completed in three phases, with the first phase complete.
- Phase 1: Groyne installation (complete)
- Phase 2: Highway 97 realignment and crest unloading (underway)
- Phase 3: Downslope stabilization
Traffic impacts
Notification of project-related fieldwork or construction is posted on this page in advance. For the latest information on road conditions, please visit DriveBC.
Timeline
Construction of phase 2, Highway 97 realignment and crest unloading, started mid-July 2024 and is scheduled to take one year. The subsequent phase of construction, which includes improving slope stability in the slide area, is anticipated to start in 2025.
Public engagement
An information session was held in Quesnel on November 9, 2023 regarding the Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill project.
You can share your feedback with the project manager. Use the subscribe feature to be informed of opportunities for public engagement and updates to this page.
Archive
Progress updates
Summer/Fall 2024
Work has been undertaken to realign Highway 97, including removing material, placing rip rap, paving and moving the highway to the new alignment. Work continues on Phase 2.
September/October 2023
Ministry contractors installed groynes along the Cottonwood River adjacent to the highway. Built with large rock material, groynes redirect river flows away from the slide area. Photos can be viewed in the photo gallery.
August/September 2023
An access road to construct groynes was built.
March 2022
An online engagement period was held to introduce the Cariboo Road Recovery Projects to the public and gather feedback.
February 2022
Door-to-door visits to nearby residences to inform community members of the project and potential options being considered. Residents were able to provide feedback on the projects and considerations for the project team.
November 2021
An in-person drop-in session at Kersley Hall was held to provide updates on the Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill Project.
Fall 2021
Temporary road resurfacing was completed on Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill to improve rideability for road users.
2020/2021
A slide in 2020 caused ground movement, impacting use of Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill.
News
Road Projects Improve Safety, Reliability in the Cariboo - April 30, 2025
Highway 97 Cottonwood Hill Phase 2 starts this summer - June 28, 2024
Two projects will ensure reliable highways in the Cariboo - August 18, 2023
BC’s Historic Landslides - What They Are and How We Manage Them - May 3, 2022
Notifications
November 2024
Construction on the Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill Project is underway. Drivers will see work on 1.4 kilometres of Highway 97, including realignment of approximately 500 metres of road through the slide area and removal of material from the top of the slide to improve safety and road stability. During construction, single-lane traffic will be implemented in both directions at times.
Please drive with caution through the construction zone
August 2024
Tree clearing work is underway in Dragon Lake Quarry, which is expected to take approximately a month.
March 2024
As a part of ongoing project planning and site preparation, crews are scheduled to be on site in March for tree clearing. Some of this work will take place near Highway 97 and may require temporary lane closures, so drivers are asked to use caution and observe signage when passing through the project area.
September 2023
Starting the week of September 4, 2023, for approximately one month, Ministry of Transportation and Transit contractors are scheduled to install groynes along the Cottonwood River adjacent to Highway 97. This work is part of Phase 1 of the Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill project. An intermittent closure of the northbound right lane of Highway 97 is anticipated to be in place during this time. More information.
Photo gallery
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