July 8, 2024

The major blasting operation to remove unstable material above Highway 97 north of Summerland is now finished. Drivers will encounter fewer prolonged closures of more than 20 minutes, improving travel along the corridor.

Since the rockfall in August 2023, over 46,500 cubic metres of material have been cleared from the slope. With major blasting concluded, which was restricted to daylight hours for safety, crews have shifted to 24-hour shifts, concentrating on stabilizing the slope with rock bolting. Smaller blasts may still be necessary.

This advancement allows crews to reduce the length of the construction zone and enable four-lane traffic at the southern end of the site from Callan Road to Summerland during summer. The main slide-area work zone will maintain two lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction). Drivers are advised to take caution and adhere to the construction zone speed limits and traffic-control personnel.

The area remains an active slide zone, and conditions can change rapidly.

More Information

Drivers should continue to check DriveBC for up-to-date information about road conditions and slide closure schedules.