The BC government says it’s unable to say — at this point — when Highway traffic through Cache Creek will be fully restored.

Traffic is currently restricted to single lane, alternating along Highway 97.

Steve Sirett, Executive Director of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for the Southern Interior, notes Highway 97 just north of the TransCanada intersection saw the culvert underneath it become overwhelmed.

“We had a lot of over-topping of the highway, and that led to the erosion of some of the side and shoulder of our road,” noted Sirett.  “Fortunately the creek is now back into our culvert, which has given us an opportunity to assess the damage.”

However, Sirett says it’s too soon to do a full assessment, as water levels may rise this weekend due to the rains.

As such, he says it’s too difficult to tell when full, two lane traffic will be restored.

He also says they’ve noted damage to the south of the TransCanada intersection in Cache Creek at a bridge which crosses the Bonaparte River.

However, Sirett says that section of roadway remains fully open.

He is asking drivers to avoid the area if possible this weekend.

“Certainly in the Cache Creek area, there’s no area that’s safe to stop and look at that [flooding], and we wouldn’t support it or allow it,” warned Sirett. “Ultimately if you are going to make the decision to travel this weekend with the rain and the river forecasts at what they are, check DriveBC before you go. Conditions can rapidly change out there.”

As for a long-term fix, Sirett says they are already looking at various options, saying they’ll make their decisions based on what the Village of Cache Creek plans for its annual battle with the Freshet.

“Whenever we’re looking at these [events] as a result of flooding, we look at all options, and really with a focus on climate-adaptation and long-term resilience,” said Sirett. “So I would say anything’s on the table in order to make sure its a long-term resilient solution for the highway.”