B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming says the Coquihalla Highway south of Merritt could be reopen to commercial traffic in about two months with temporary repairs in place.

In an update this afternoon, he said 20 sections of the highway were damaged by floods last week, including five bridges.

Fleming also said the repairs ahead will be a “daunting, uphill task” which will be contingent on the weather and future storms.

As it stands, there are currently three sites along the highway where crews are blasting rocks, while equipment is being mobilized at two other sites.

At the Jessica Bridge, and in the Bottle Top area, crews are installing temporary bridges, while they’re building construction access across the bridge near the Carolin Mine Road.

At the Brodie Siding Road, crews are protecting abutments in the area, Fleming added, noting work is also taking place in the rivers to prevent erosion.

Fleming said when the Coquihalla does open to commercial traffic, there will be two areas, about 20 to 30 kilometres in length, where there will be reduced speeds, and one lane of traffic in each direction.

Trans Canada through the Fraser Valley opening Thursday afternoon

Meanwhile, the Trans Canada Highway through the Fraser Valley between Chilliwack and Abbotsford will open at 2 p.m. Thursday, connecting the Lower Mainland to the Interior via Highway 3.

It will reduce congestion on Highway 7, where travel restrictions are in place, the government said, in a statement.

While there will be no travel restrictions on the Trans Canada when it opens, people are being told to stay off the highway through Abbotsford unless necessary.

Large commercial vehicles over 63,500 kilograms will be prohibited from travelling on Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack at this time.

Meanwhile, in the Fraser Canyon, Highway 1 between Hope and Boothroyd, just east of Boston Bar, has been open since Sunday, Nov. 21. The highway is closed between Boothroyd and Spences Bridge, with damage assessments ongoing.

“The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is monitoring the weather and the performance of the highway,” the statement said. “People should be aware that Highway 1 and others could be closed at any time, should conditions deteriorate.”