Coquihalla reopens after shutdown due to wind

Traffic is moving again on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt after powerful arctic outflow winds played havoc with road maintenance.

The Ministry of Transportation said the winds were sweeping through the Coquihalla canyon and blowing away the sand used for traction on the route.

A number of crashes were reported along the highway starting late Wednesday afternoon and the road was closed overnight while vehicles were removed and the contractor spread more sand.

The route re-opened at around seven this morning.

(The Canadian Press)