Tension Cracks above the area of the August 2023 rockslide north of Summerland (photo courtesy of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)

By Liam Verster

Tension Cracks Need Addressing

Permanent stabilization work planned for rock slide area near Summerland

Nov 27, 2024 | 1:18 PM

The slope that collapsed onto Highway 97 in in the summer of 2023 will be permanently stabilized next year.

The rockslide brought down roughly 3,000 cubic metres of debris and material onto the highway north of Summerland on August 28, 2023.

Crews cleared the roads, surveyed the slope, and conducted some temporary stabilization work, allowing the highway to gradually reopen to one lane in each direction.

During that work, geotechnical engineers discovered tension cracks in the slope, and determined there was a need for additional, long-term stabilization measures in the area.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the province would be tendering a project to complete the long-term repairs in December, with work beginning in the spring of 2025.

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The temporary stabilization work was nearly complete as of Wednesday, Nov. 27, with the Ministry of Transportation stating the work site would shut down for the winter months, though noted the area would be monitored to ensure the road remained safe. The road will remain open in both directions over the winter.