Trans-Canada Highway closed for up to three days after rock slide west of Field

The Trans-Canada Highway will be closed for up to three days while a large rock slide covered the highway about 16 kilometres west of Field, B.C. in Yoho National Park.

The incident happened on the late afternoon of Monday, Oct. 24 when rock scaling crews were drilling in the area in preparation to set explosive charges. The activity set off a 10,000 cubic metre rock slide that sent workers scrambling for their lives and crushed heavy equipment in its path.

Two workers were sent to hospital with injuries, which are said to be non life threatening.

In a statement, Parks Canada spokesperson Lindsay McPherson said it will be a big task to get the rock off the highway: “At this time, a geotechnical assessment is underway to ensure the safety of personnel in preparation for clearing the highway of the approximately 10,000 cubic metres of rock slide and debris that fell.”

There is an alternate route via Highway 93 to Invermere, then north on Highway 95 to Golden.

In a statement, Alberta RCMP advised motorists to plan accordingly. “Anyone planning to travel between Alberta and B.C. via Highway 1 is asked to choose an alternate route or make arrangements for accommodations as this closure is expected to remain in effect for 24 to 72 hours,”