The B.C. government says the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt could open to essential traffic in early January 2022, a few weeks ahead of schedule.

“This is remarkable,” Transportation Minister, Rob Fleming said, noting crews have been working around the clock to repair damage to the highway which has been closed since mid-November.

“Given the scale of damage on the Coquihalla, it is a testament of the skill and dedication of everybody who is part of this tremendous effort. We’re throwing everything we have at it because we know how important it is to connect the Lower Mainland with the Interior.”

There have been hundreds of workers with 100 pieces of heavy equipment trying to stabilize and repair the highway, Fleming said, noting the timeline is contingent on weather conditions remaining favourable.

“This is temporary repairs to get it to usable condition. It won’t be the same Coquihalla,” he said.

“The Build Back Better discussion that we are having with the federal government and other partners, we don’t have a timeline for that yet, but we have taken some steps very quickly to test the market to see what kind of interest there is rebuilding a climate resilient Coquihalla to restore it permanently.”

Speaking Thursday morning, he said until the Coquihalla reopens, people should keep Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton free for essential commercial traffic like semis. Earlier this week, he noted there were “too many crashes” along that highway.

“With upwards of about 3,000 trucks a day now on that highway, with its steep grades and tight curves, it would be dangerous to mix leisure passenger traffic in with convoys of trucks,” Fleming added.

The government is also warning of an upcoming winter storm this Friday to Sunday, which is expected to affect the area near Manning Provincial Park.

“The corridor is currently the main commercial trucking connection between the Lower Mainland and the Interior and is under a non-essential travel order. Commercial and essential vehicle drivers should be aware and prepared for strong winter storm conditions,” a government statement said.

Asked by reporters, Fleming said the plan is to open Highway 3 to non-essential leisure travel like ski trips or visiting friends and family once the Coquihalla is operational in some capacity. However, with the holidays looming, the government has adjusted the current restrictions to allow intercity buses on Highway 3.

“We know, especially in a year like this one, people want to see their loved ones this holiday season and we’re doing what we can to support you,” Fleming said, noting companies like Ebus, Mountain Express, and Mountain Man Mike will help transport people still looking to travel this month.

Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon also remains closed from Boston Bar to Spences Bridge, and Fleming says it is still on track to reopen in mid-January.