Quesnel-Hixon Road

Last updated on April 15, 2024

Aerial photo of slide damage to Quesnel-Hixon Road – May 2021

ClosedA landslide during the 2021 freshet caused complete loss of the road.

Notice of Work

Starting in April, crews will be on site in the Quesnel-Hixon area to conduct geotechnical drilling. The work area will be cleared prior to the arrival of a drill rig, then soil samples will be gathered to support project planning. For your safety, we ask residents to stay away from work areas until work is completed in June.

Location and Preliminary Options Map
Quesnel-Hixon Road Map Presents 3 options for moving the road for discussion and the area of the landslide

Quesnel-Hixon Road is located approximately 21 km north of Quesnel.


Status

Quesnel-Hixon Road is currently closed to traffic. The slide area remains active and unsafe for travel by the public.

Vehicle turnarounds are placed to re-route traffic in affected areas on Quesnel-Hixon Road. Long-term restoration options are currently being explored to determine a safe and climate resilient solution.

Work includes:

  • Designs to restore the road and research on soil and water
  • Environmental reviews and on-site inspections
  • Interim drainage and slope improvements

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

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

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.
 

 

Notifications

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

Contact information

For more information contact:

Bill Leitch
Senior Advisor

Leah Malcolm
Project Manager

Media Inquiries Phone
250-356-8241