Highway 1 Through Fraser Canyon Partially Reopens After Nearly Two-Month Wildfire Closure
Shraddha Tripathy
8/27/20262 min read
Highway 1 through British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon has partially reopened after being closed for nearly two months because of wildfires burning around Boston Bar.
The Trans-Canada Highway was initially shut down on July 7 as the Brunswick wildfire complex intensified in the region.
Although the route briefly reopened later that month, it was quickly closed again as wildfire conditions remained dangerous.
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation says limited travel has now resumed, but significant restrictions remain in place.
Single-Lane Traffic Through Two-Kilometre Section
Drivers will encounter single-lane alternating traffic through an approximately two-kilometre stretch of Highway 1.
The restricted section runs from about one kilometre south of the Alexandra Bridge to one kilometre north of the Alexandra Tunnel.
A pilot vehicle will escort motorists through the area, and drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes.
Additional temporary closures may occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day, potentially adding another 30 minutes to travel times.
“No stopping will be permitted within the active work and wildfire-affected areas of the corridor,” the ministry said.
Cyclists are also prohibited from travelling through the affected section.
B.C. Hydro Repairing Wildfire Damage
Traffic restrictions remain necessary while B.C. Hydro crews work to restore electrical infrastructure damaged by the fires.
Several large cranes are being used to replace and repair utility poles in the area.
The ministry says the restrictions are intended to allow crews to work safely while maintaining limited access through the important Fraser Canyon transportation corridor.
Brunswick Wildfire Complex Still Burning
The reopening comes even as both fires making up the Brunswick wildfire complex remain out of control near Boston Bar.
The Brunswick Creek wildfire covered approximately 92 square kilometres as of Wednesday evening.
The neighbouring Ainslie Creek wildfire was significantly larger, covering approximately 677 square kilometres.
Despite the partial highway reopening, evacuation measures remain in effect for communities threatened by the two fires.
As of Wednesday evening, there were 12 evacuation alerts and nine evacuation orders associated with the wildfire complex.
Residents under an evacuation alert must be prepared to leave with little notice, while an evacuation order requires people to leave the affected area immediately.
Motorists travelling through the Fraser Canyon are being advised to monitor official road conditions and prepare for delays as wildfire response and infrastructure repair work continues.
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