Hwy 3 at Highway 3/5 Junction/DriveBC

By Vernon Matters Staff

Damage repair

Flood-damaged highways near Hope and Merritt set for temporary closures

Jan 20, 2026 | 11:48 AM

Highway drivers in the Hope and Merritt area should brace for delays this week as crews rush to repair flood-damaged roads.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit says sections of Highways 1, 3 and 5 will close temporarily to fix pavement affected by December’s storms. Officials say the current weather gives crews a window to complete the work safely and quickly.

Work kicks off Tuesday, with westbound Highway 3 near Hope closed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Traffic will detour through Exit 173 and the Old Hope Princeton Highway, passing through town before rejoining Highway 1 west of Hope.

On Wednesday, Highway 1 west of Hope will close for paving during the same hours. Drivers will follow a similar detour through Exit 173 and Water Avenue, then along Highway 7, either reconnecting with Highway 1 via Highway 9 or continuing toward the Lower Mainland on Highway 7.

Overnight work is scheduled Thursday at the Highway 3/5 split east of Hope. Highway 5 southbound in Merritt will close from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. while paving is completed. Westbound Highway 3 traffic from Princeton to Hope will move through a reduced-speed zone near the work site.

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Motorists are urged to follow detours and slow down near work zones. Officials say completing the repairs quickly will prevent further disruptions and improve safety for everyone on the road.