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Sensors placed at the Highway 97 rockslide are continuing to show movement, meaning it’s still too early to reach any conclusions about when the usually busy road will be safely re-opened to non-emergency traffic, ministry officials said Monday.
Sensors will continue to collect data at the slide site and geotechnical engineers are monitoring and assessing the data, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a statement on Monday.
The recommended alternate routes from the ministry are highways 97C, 5A or 33.
“Two additional routes are available using forest service roads. However, these gravel roads are not up to highway standards and although we have graders continuously working, drivers will still experience some rough conditions,” reads the ministry statement.
“Drivers who choose to travel these alternative routes should ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for conditions.”
Those who aren’t are quickly learning the consequences.
Penticton’s Kal Tire reported Sunday a spike in flat tires from drivers who just took the detour down a forest service road.
“They’ve done some signage, grading, but we have seen a number of flat tires,” said Mel Vlassis, assistant manager of Kal Tire Penticton.
“A lot of tires are at the end of life so you may come into some trouble with rougher roads. Mainly, sharp rocks have been the issue.”
Ministry crews have worked throughout the weekend to continue grading and dust control on the forest service roads.
“Staff continue to patrol the roads and provide information and assistance to travellers,” the ministry said.
Maps and other information about the detour routes are available on the ministry website and through DriveBC’s Emergency Travel Information page.
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