Semi-trucks are now banned from using the far left lane at Larson Hill on the Coquihalla, in both directions.

The Ministry of Transportation says keeping that third lane off limits to commercial truck traffic will make sure there’s room for snow plows.

BC Trucking Association president Dave Earle says this move is not unexpected, pointing out this was done at the Snowshed Hill for northbound semi-trucks two years ago.

“And really, the goal of our industry is to make sure goods can move efficiently and safely. So when we look at this, and to make sure there’s a degree of access for equipment to be able to move through in the event something goes wrong, the experience has shown on the Snowshed Hill this could work.”

Earle says other lanes available to commercial drivers need to be maintained to a high level.

“Anything we can do to ensure the highway is open, that it’s safe, we’re certainly in favor of it… Having a thoroughfare for emergency vehicles to get through and plows to get through is important, but equally important is to make sure other lanes don’t get neglected.”

The Ministry says last winter, two out of three extended Coquihalla closures caused by semi-trucks were at Larson Hill, and there’s already been one there this year.

Earle told NL News last week the “next step” for improvements on the Coquihalla is at Larson Hill. He says the BCTA is working with the province towards improving rest areas and brining chain-up areas to that section of the highway.

We installed “NO TRUCKS LEFT LANE” signs at Larson Hill on the #Coquihalla (both directions).
Commercial vehicles can no longer travel in the 3rd left lane, which keeps a path open for plows and other traffic if trucks spinout. Chain up as required!#BCTrucking pic.twitter.com/ZrasRHpx31

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) November 20, 2020