The Coquihalla Highway has fully reopened following a number of crashes Sunday—but a snowfall warning remains in effect on the busy route. The collisions were reported on a snow-covered area of Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt, near the Helmer Road exit, in the early afternoon. While no injuries were reported, Merritt RCMP said the route was temporarily closed due to concerns about unsafe road conditions. “Travel is not recommended,” the detachment said in a news release Sunday evening. “If you must travel, motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and drive to the conditions.” The southbound lanes remained closed Monday morning, but the Coquihalla has since fully reopened, according to DriveBC. Environment and Climate Change Canada is still warning of periods of heavy snowfall on the highway that could deliver up to 20 cm of accumulations by the evening. “Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times,” reads a warning issued early Monday morning. “Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains.”
