August 19, 2024

A 400-metre portion of Quesnel-Hixon Road is being permanently closed, and the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge is being decommissioned.

In 2021, a landslide caused significant damage to the road just south of the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge, leading to severe displacement and distortion. This resulted in the closure of both the road and the bridge.

Following three years of assessment through the Cariboo Road Recovery Project, it was determined that reopening the route would require an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars for new infrastructure. Prioritizing public safety and responsible use of taxpayer resources, authorities opted for the permanent closure of this section of the road.

Access to Highway 97 is still available via Ten Mile Lake Road, Olson Road, Morgan Road, and Plett Road, which continue to support traffic flow. The ministry is also considering further safety enhancements in the area.

For more information on the Cariboo Road Recovery Projects, visit here.