Quesnel-Hixon Road
Last updated on May 1, 2025
Closed. Safety improvements to nearby roads are being evaluated following a landslide during the 2021 freshet.
Location map
Quesnel-Hixon Road is located approximately 21 km north of Quesnel.
Status
Quesnel-Hixon Road has been closed to through traffic since 2021, and plans are now being developed to permanently close a 400-metre section of the road and take the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge out of service. The Ministry is evaluating potential safety improvements for existing roads in the area and will update the community as more information becomes available.
After three years of planning and extensive options analysis, it was found that reopening the road would require hundreds of millions of dollars for new road and bridge construction. To ensure public safety and manage taxpayer funds wisely, a decision was made by government to permanently close this section of the road.
Vehicle turnarounds are in place to re-route traffic in affected areas. Alternate routes, such as Olson Road, continue to provide access to Highway 97 for residents north of the slide and can accommodate current traffic volumes.
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
We will have more information on timelines when our technical work is complete.
Public engagement
If you have feedback or questions, please get in touch with the project manager.
Archive
Progress updates
August 2024
Geotechnical investigations at the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge were completed.
July 2024
Environmental fieldwork was completed, with crews collecting data and samples for project planning.
June 2024
Geotechnical investigations were completed near both ends of 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
On August 14-18, 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.
On August 3 and 4, 2023, crews inspected Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge and Cinema-Old/Ahbau Creek Bridge to assess their condition. Work included visual inspections and hammer sounding of the timber components of the bridges.
Both assessments will inform long-term planning for both bridges and Quesnel-Hixon Road.
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.
News
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
Notifications
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 Ahbau Creek Bridge will be reduced to one lane alternating in each direction. This setup will be in place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m each day to conduct geotechnical investigations. More information on this work is available here.
August 2023
On August 14-18, 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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