Open. Geotechnical investigations and engineering analysis underway. During the 2020 spring freshet, multiple historic landslides were reactivated along Quesnel-Hydraulic Road.
Quesnel-Hydraulic Road is located approximately 20 km south of Quesnel.
Quesnel-Hydraulic Road is currently open to single-lane alternating traffic. An additional route is available via French Road. Long-term restoration options are currently being explored to determine a safe and climate resilient solution.
Work includes:
Notification of project-related fieldwork or construction is posted on this page in advance. For the latest information on road conditions, please visit DriveBC.
We will have more information on timelines when our technical work is complete.
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Progress updates
August 2024
Quesnel-Hydraulic Road was temporarily closed due to cracks on the shoulder and slopes. Repairs, including slope grading, barrier installation and signage were completed, and the road was reopened.
February 2024
Geotechnical drilling was carried out below Quesnel-Hydraulic Road along the Quesnel River. Crews used a drill rig to create four holes in the ground to collect additional soil samples and to install ground monitoring equipment.
September 2023
Geotechnical drilling was carried out in the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project area. Crews used a drill rig to create two holes in the ground to collect additional soil samples and to install ground monitoring equipment.
April 2023
A slide temporarily closed Quesnel-Hydraulic Road. Repairs were made, and the road reopened to single-lane alternating traffic.
Crews completed embankment reinforcement works by installing riprap along a portion of the west riverbank beneath Quesnel-Hydraulic Road to protect the area from potential erosion caused by the Quesnel River.
February 2023
Geotechnical drilling was carried out in the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project area. Crews used a drill rig to create six holes in the ground to collect additional soil samples and to install ground monitoring equipment.
September 2022
Quesnel-Hydraulic Road reopened to single-lane alternating traffic.
March 2022
A program-wide engagement period was held to introduce the public to the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project, providing context and an overview of the background, process, and short-listed options being explored.
December 2021
Geotechnical drilling was carried out in the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project area. Crews used a drill rig to create three holes in the ground to collect soil samples and to install ground monitoring equipment.
As part of interim construction, monitoring equipment was installed above ground throughout the project area to provide early warnings of any additional ground movement.
Enhancements were made to French Road as an alternate route for commuters.
November 2021
An in-person drop-in session at Kersley Hall was held to provide updates on the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project.
April 2020
During the spring freshet, multiple historic slides were reactivated along Quesnel-Hydraulic Road. The road was closed, and an alternate route via French Road was identified.
News
Notifications
July 2024
Restorative work on Quesnel-Hydraulic Road will start the week of July 22, 2024, and is expected to last for approximately two weeks. The work will repair cracks and stabilize the slopes below the road, caused by above-average rainfall. It includes drainage upgrades and shoulder repairs, with focus on enhancing the road's stability.
During construction, the road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, to accommodate crews, materials, and equipment; however, it will be reopened at the top of each hour to allow traffic through. We recommend that drivers use French Road as an alternate route to Highway 97 to avoid potential delays. Traffic control personnel will be on-site to ensure the safety of both the construction crews and the public, managing the flow of traffic and providing assistance as needed.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Please drive with caution through the construction zone and plan your trip accordingly.
July 2024
Due to recent above-average rainfall, cracks have appeared on the road shoulder and slopes below Quesnel-Hydraulic Road.
The road remains open at a reduced width, and concrete roadside barriers are being installed for safety. We ask drivers to proceed through the area with caution. Staff patrols have been increased to visually monitor the slide, and the project team is monitoring the area 24/7 using previously installed high-tech monitoring equipment. The technical team is actively developing both immediate and long-term solutions to the road.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
January 2024
As part of ongoing project planning, geotechnical surveys are scheduled to take place along Quesnel-Hydraulic Road starting the week of January 22, 2024. Crews will be drilling four boreholes within the project area for about two weeks to collect soil samples. There is potential for traffic impacts when equipment is moved to and from the site while crew members are working near the road. Drivers are asked to use caution and observe signage through the work area.
September 2023
As a part of ongoing project planning, geotechnical work will begin in late September. Crews will be using drill rigs to bore test holes into the ground on Quesnel-Hydraulic Road to collect soil and water samples. Drivers can expect increased activity in the area and are asked to use caution while travelling through the project site. This work is expected to conclude in the fall.
July 2023
As part of technical information-gathering, crews are scheduling geotechnical investigative work to take place later this summer. Details on when these work activities are scheduled to begin and their duration will be provided once details are confirmed. Additional information can be found in this project update.
April 2023
As part of ongoing engineering works for the Quesnel-Hydraulic Road Project, erosion protection works are scheduled to take place April 2023.
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