UPDATE: 5 p.m.
The Coquihalla has reopened in both directions following a multi-vehicle accident south of Merritt.
OPEN - #BCHwy5 southbound, south of #MerrittBC at Coldwater Road is now open. Expect heavy winter conditions and delays. #Coquihallahttps://t.co/Dkm0UsHm1U
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 19, 2017
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UPDATE: 2:20 p.m.
DriveBC reports the southbound side of the Coquihalla should reopen at 5 p.m. The next update is expected at 4 p.m.
Final: BCEHS has cleared the scene from the #MVI on #BCHwy5 - four patients were transported to hospital in stable condition.
— EmergHealthServices (@BC_EHS) December 18, 2017
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UPDATE: 1:40 p.m.
The Coquihalla has now reopened northbound between Hope and Merritt after an earlier accident shut down the highway both ways.
In a late afternoon tweet, BC Emergency Health Services said they were sending three ambulances to an accident southbound near the Coldwater Exchange on Hwy. 5.
Initial reports said that nine patients needed to be taken to hospital.
The exchange is located just south of Merritt.
BCEHS is responding to a call on #BCHwy5 southbound near the Coldwater Exchange. BCEHS is responding with three ground ambulances. Initial reports indicate that nine patients will need to be transported to hospital. More updates to come.
— EmergHealthServices (@BC_EHS) December 18, 2017
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UPDATE: 1 p.m.
The Coquihalla is now closed in both directions between Hope and Merritt.
A multi-vehicle accident, reportedly near Comstock Road, shut down the highway.
Emergency personnel are on the scene of the crash.
DriveBC reports there is no estimated time of opening. Detours are available via Highway 1 or 3.
The next update is expected at 3 p.m.
Update - #BCHwy5 #Coquihalla Closed in both directions #HopeBC to #Merritt due to vehicle incidents. https://t.co/tr1rK8q1MM
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 18, 2017
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ORGINAL: 12:30 p.m.
The Coquihalla is closed southbound between Hope and Merritt.
A multi-vehicle accident, reportedly near Comstock Road, shut down the highway.
DriveBC reports Highway 5 is closed southbound at the Coldwater Interchange and there is no estimated time of opening.
Reports on social media indicate the accident involves more than a dozen vehicles.
A travel advisory is currently in effect on the Coquihalla between Merritt and Hope.
“Heavy snowfall is expected to continue into this evening between Merritt and Hope, extending into Tuesday, producing limited visibility due to blowing snow,” writes DriveBC.
“Travellers are advised to exercise caution, be prepared for potential delays, and consider alternate routes.”
Related: Wintry weather to roll into Southern Interior
CORRECTION - #BCHwy5 CLOSED southbound, south of #MerrittBC at Coldwater Road because of a vehicle incident. Estimated time of opening is unknown. Assessment in progress. Detour available via Highway 8 and Highway 1. Next update at 2 PM.https://t.co/Dkm0UsHm1U
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 18, 2017
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