Othello section of Coquihalla will see permanent repairs begin soon

The Othello section of the Coquihalla will see work to permanently repair the highway begin in the coming weeks.

A $4.6-million contract for the section of the highway that suffered significant damage during the storms last November has been awarded to Emil Anderson and the Chawathil First Nation.

“This marks another milestone in our recovery from the atmospheric river events that severely damaged our highway infrastructure last fall,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“We’re working quickly to build permanent infrastructure back at a better, more climate-resilient standard that will protect the movement of people and goods through our province. I am pleased that this contract is a joint venture that includes the Chawathil First Nation.”

Construction on the section of Highway 5 near Othello, east of Hope, is expected to start in early August and be complete by the fall.

The repair work involves reinstating approximately 460 metres of the southbound lanes that were washed out; replacing and upsizing culverts to accommodate future extreme weather events; shoulder widening and barrier placement; and reinstating the roadside barrier and spillways.

“We are proud to be a part of this project with Emil Anderson,” said Chief Rhoda Peters of the Chawathil First Nation.

“To participate in work that is developed within our traditional territory shows we are moving ahead with business for Chawathil. So many highways, railways, pipelines and hydro lines cut through our lands without agreements with our leaders. Today, our Nation is able to sit at the table and work together as the future unfolds at a fast pace before us. We are grateful for all the hard work put forth by our economic development coordinator, Monica Florence, as she put in a lot of work and effort to help us track this milestone. Siam’lomet.”

The province said efforts will be made to minimize the work’s impact on traffic, though does note that Highway 5 users may face some delays and single-lane alternating traffic while the work is done.