Quesnel-Hixon Road
Last updated on August 21, 2026
Closed. Construction is underway on improvements to the safety and long-term reliability of the local road network following a landslide.
Status
Construction is underway on improvements to the safety and long-term reliability of the local road network following the 2021 landslide and closure of Quesnel-Hixon Road.
The work is being delivered through two separate construction scopes.
Olson Road safety improvements include:
- Intersection improvements at Olson Road and Highway 97, including highway widening, northbound and southbound left-turn lanes, and additional paved space for right-turning vehicles
- Resurfacing Olson Road from Highway 97 to Quesnel-Hixon Road
- Brush removal and culvert replacement in certain sections
Further south, bridge and permanent road closure work includes:
- Brush removal in certain sections
- Rehabilitation and strengthening of the Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge to extend its service life and increase the posted load limit from approximately 16 tonnes to approximately 26 tonnes
- Decommissioning and removal of the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge
- If it can be accommodated safely, advance notice will be provided to local residents of an opportunity to view the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge removal
- Permanent closure of approximately 400 metres of Quesnel-Hixon Road near the former bridge crossing
- Construction of vehicle turnarounds and installation of barriers and signage at the permanent closure points
- Construction of a small roadside rest area near the former north bridge approach, including an accessible washroom, two picnic tables and a double-sided waste bin
Olson Road is located 29 km north of Quesnel along Highway 97. The Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge is a further 8 km west, accessed via Olson Road and Quesnel-Hixon Road.
Traffic impacts
During the Olson Road safety improvements, residents and road users may experience:
- Periodic single-lane alternating traffic on Olson Road and at the Highway 97 intersection during construction. No road closures are anticipated
- Reduced speeds and short delays through active work zones
- Traffic control personnel and increased construction vehicle traffic
During the bridge and permanent road closure work:
- The Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge may be temporarily closed for periods of two to four hours at a time
- Outside these periods, the bridge will remain open, although single-lane alternating traffic may be required
- Residents are encouraged to plan travel outside scheduled closure times where possible
Advance notice of bridge closures and other major traffic impacts will be posted on this page and DriveBC.ca. Signage will be posted before closures or major disruptions, where possible, and traffic control personnel will direct traffic when required.
Timeline
Construction is underway, with major work expected to be completed in 2026 and minor work continuing into spring and summer 2027.
Public engagement
If you have feedback or questions, please get in touch with the project manager.
Archive
August 2026
Enviro-Ex Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the contract to deliver the Olson Road safety improvements. Construction is underway.
Blackbird Industrial Ltd. has been awarded the contract to deliver the separate Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge rehabilitation, Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge removal and permanent road closure work. Construction on this scope is expected to begin in mid-August 2026.
October 2025
Based on technical assessments and local feedback from the Quesnel-Hixon Road Community Liaison Group, the Ministry is proceeding with improvements on the Quesnel-Hixon Road Project to improve safety, capacity and long-term reliability. These upgrades include intersection improvements at Olson Road and Highway 97, highway widening and the addition of a northbound left-turn lane. Roadside brushing along sections of Olson Road and rehabilitation of the Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge will also occur.
August 2024
After three years of planning and extensive options analysis, a decision was made to permanently close a 400-metre section of the road and take the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge out of service. This decision was made to ensure public safety and manage taxpayer funds wisely. Alternate routes, such as Olson Road, continue to provide access to Highway 97 for residents north of the slide, and accommodate current traffic volumes.
The Ministry is evaluating potential safety improvements to existing roads in the area.
July 2024
Environmental fieldwork and geotechnical investigations at the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge were completed, with crews collecting data and samples for project planning.
June 2024
Geotechnical investigations were completed near both ends of Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge as part of the exploratory process, allowing for further reconnaissance as long-term solutions are developed.
January 2024
A survey crew mapped the area to inform project planning.
August 2023
Crews conducted visual inspections along Quesnel-Hixon Road, as well as hammer sounding on the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge and the Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge to inform project planning.
June 2022
Geotechnical investigations were completed as part of the exploratory process, allowing for further reconnaissance as long-term solutions are developed.
March 2022
A program-wide engagement period was held to introduce the public to the projects, providing context and an overview of the background, process, and short-listed options being explored.
November 2021
An in-person drop-in session was held at Kersley Hall to provide updates on the Quesnel-Hixon Project.
April 2021
A landslide during the 2021 freshet caused a complete loss of the Quesnel-Hixon Road. Quesnel-Hixon Road and Cottonwood Bridge have been closed while long-term solutions are being explored. Vehicle turnarounds were set up before the closure points, and traffic is being diverted to Highway 97 on Olson Road.
- Road Projects Improve Safety, Reliability in the Cariboo – April 30, 2025
- Information Bulletin: Section of the Quesnel-Hixon Road closed permanently – August 13, 2024
- BC’s Historic Landslides - What They Are and How We Manage Them – May 3, 2022
August 2024
Geotechnical investigations at the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge are now complete. Crews and equipment will remain in the area for approximately one week for site restoration.
July 2024
Geotechnical investigations are underway around Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge. No traffic impacts are expected, but we ask residents to stay clear from work areas for their safety.
July 2024
Environmental fieldwork is also underway and is expected to continue until the end of July in the Quesnel-Hixon Road Project area, with crews collecting data and samples for project planning.
June 2024
Starting June 10, for approximately one week, Quesnel-Hixon Road near both ends of Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge will be reduced to one lane alternating in each direction. This setup will be in place from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm each day to conduct geotechnical investigations. For more information, see Quesnel-Hixon Road Project (PDF, 4.3MB).
August 2023
On August 14 to 18, 2023, crews conducted visual environmental inspections along Quesnel-Hixon Road, Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge and Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge crossing locations, and Naver Creek. Both assessments will inform long-term planning for both bridges and Quesnel-Hixon Road.
Photo gallery
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