The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has shared the following details on the forthcoming closure of Highway 99, 16km north of LIllooet, at the Ten Mile Slide site, to repair the road.
The initial work was set for March, but was postponed because of increased movement at the slide, to allow for monitoring and geotechnical investigation. The site has begun thawing which has resulted in softer slippery sections along the highway.
Work will commence on April 5, 2017 and is expected to be complete by the end of April.
Once the work is complete and the highway is restored, the Ministry hopes to remove the 50% legal load restrictions.
In the meantime, between April 5 and April 29, please plan around the following closures of Highway 99 at the Ten Mile Slide. Please note, no work will take place over the Easter long weekend.
April 5 - 29, 2017 | Highway 99 Closures for the Ten Mile Slide Stabilization Project |
Mondays-Saturdays 7:00am - 11:00am | CLOSED to all traffic (except emergency vehicles and school buses) |
Mondays-Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm | OPEN to single-lane alternating traffic. Expect delays. |
Mondays-Saturdays 1:00pm - 5:00pm | CLOSED to all traffic (except emergency vehicles and school buses) |
| Sundays | OPEN to single-lane alternating traffic. Expect delays. |
| Easter long weekend, Friday April 14 - Monday April 17 | OPEN to single-lane alternating traffic. Expect delays. |
Emergency vehicles and school buses will continue to be accommodated.
During the open traffic windows, traffic will be limited to single lane alternating traffic. Expect minor delays and watch for flagging personnel.
The closures are required to complete construction and reopen the highway back to 2 lanes.
The closures are being communicated through signs on both sides of the project, Drive BC, radio and the newspaper.
Weight restrictions of 50% legal axle load are still in effect; CVSE is providing enhanced enforcement and will continue to do so until the weight restrictions are lifted
Flaggers and monitors remain on site 24hrs a day.
MoTi engineers and surveyors will continue to monitor the slide area to ensure single lane highway operations are safe for the travelling public.
DriveBC is up to date and includes appropriate messaging regarding highway operations and associated load restrictions.
Background
Ten Mile Slide is an active moving landslide located approximately 17km northeast of Lillooet on Highway 99. The slide is located on the Xaxli’p Reserve (Fountain IR-1A), which is bisected by Highway 99. Documented landslide activity at the highway began in 1988 and has been ongoing since, necessitating frequent repairs.
In December, 2016, the provincial government committed $60 million to redress the situation.
The project will include stabilization measures above and below Highway 99 as well as the reconstruction of the highway.