Bridge washout closes Trans-Canada west of Revelstoke until at least Saturday

A bridge washout late night on Thursday has closed the Trans-Canada Highway at Camp Creek between Revelstoke and Sicamous and the washout is expected to last at least two days.

The washout at Camp Creek between Revelstoke and Sicamous. Photo: Revelstoke RCMP

Revelstoke RCMP say the bridge was overrun by the creek at around 11 p.m. on Thursday, June 8. That caused a buildup of debris to spill over the bridge, which is located about 25 kilometres west of Revelstoke.

An aerial shot of the June 8 washout of the Camp Creek Bridge, located 25 kilometres west of Revelstoke on the Trans-Canada Highway. Phoot: Chris Hrabb

The highway is closed in both directions and traffic is being rerouted through the Shelter Bay ferry. Police are warning motorists to expect significant traffic delays. The Shelter Bay route requires vehicles to cross two small ferries, which are bottlenecks during heavy traffic incidents.

In a statement to media mid-morning Friday, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the highway is expected to be closed until Saturday, June 10 and possibly through the weekend, depending on whether the bridge has been damaged.

A washout caused by a raging river at Camp Creek on the Trans-Canada between Revelstoke and Sicamous. Photo: BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Crews will assess the bridge once the debris and water have been cleared,” the statement read.

The ministry said the area received approximately 40 millimetres of rain over a short time period. This weather system has now passed and flows are expected to decrease quickly. Heavy machinery has been brought in to assist with the cleanup.

Motorists are advised to plan an alternate route if travelling east or west on Highway 1 today. Alternate routes are via Highway 23 and Highway 6, through Shelter Bay, Galena Bay, Needles, and Fauquier. The ministry will be running the Galena Bay to Shelter Bay ferry on Highway 23 for 24 hours a day until Highway 1 reopens. Motorists should plan for long delays at the ferry crossings.

For anyone making plans to travel through B.C., to or from Alberta, consider taking Highway 3 or Highway 5.

Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for the latest updates: www.drivebc.ca

#BCHwy1 CLOSED 25 km West of #RevelstokeBC. Geotech is currently assessing the highway. No estimate for reopen. https://t.co/WEbzdPLPG8

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 9, 2017

The Camp Creek bridge was overwhelmed by a debris torrent in 2012.

This story will not be updated. For road situation updates, please check the DriveBC website.