UPDATE: Hwy 97 between Peachland and Summerland fully open to traffic

NowMedia Staff | July 20, 2018 in Wildfire

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(UPDATE: 8:15 a.m.) - Hwy 97, between Summerland and Peachland, is now fully open to traffic.

The road was closed throughout the night before opening to single lane traffic with an RCMP escort around 2 a.m. today.

According to DriveBC, the road is now fully open to traffic, allowing many stranded motorists to easily make their way between the South and Central Okanagan.

(UPDATE: July 20 @ 6:20 a.m.) - Crews have once again opened Hwy 97 between Summerland and Peachland.

However, the road is only open to single lane alternating traffic with an RCMP escort due to the continued "dynamic wildfire activity" in the area.

Although it adds significant time to the trip between the South and Central Okanagan, using Hwy 3 and Hwy 33 as a detour, or Hwy 3A, Hwy 3, Hwy 5 and Hwy 97C, is being suggested.

As they did on Thursday, DriveBC will continue to update the status of Hwy 97 throughout the day today.

(UPDATE: 8: 50 p.m.) - Routes between Peachland and Summerland are back in operation but are reduced to single-lane alternating traffic after a prompt two-hour closure. 

A section of Hwy 97 between the two cities was closed due to an ongoing wildfire, but will now allow traffic through with a piloting vehicle.

DriveBC warns travellers to expect delays while travelling this route. 

(UPDATE: 6:35 p.m.) - Both lanes of Hwy 97 between Peachland and Summerland have been closed due to the "ongoing wildfire," reports Drive BC.

Unfortunately, there is no detour available for travellers to take at this time.

RDOS reported that the Highway closure extends from Brent Rd. N. to North Beach Road.

Drive BC has not provided an estimated time for the reopening of the Highway.

(UPDATE: 1:50 p.m.) - Hwy 97 has been opened in both direction, but only to one lane of traffic.

The speed limit is currently altered to 60 km/h, according to DriveBC.

Motorists are asked to proceed with caution and watch for working crews along the highway.

(UPDATE: 8:15 a.m.) - Hwy 97 is now open to single lane alternating traffic, but there will heavy delays today.

DriveBC warns drivers that delays could be between 1-2 hours as crews battle the Mount Eneas wildfire in the area. 

There could also be road closures on very short notice. 

The suggested detour is via Hwy 97C, Hwy 5A and Hwy 3, which adds at least two hours to the otherwise short trip.

DriveBC will update the situation every hour, but it's expected to be like this for most of the day. 

(UPDATE: July 19 @ 2:24 a.m.) - Highway 97 is reopened to single lane traffic alternating traffic with RCMP escort. Residents can expect delays up to 20 minutes currently.

Alternate route effective via Highway 97C, Highway 5A and Highway 3.

Come Thursday morning expect delays between 1-2 hours depending on traffic.

Next update expected at 4 a.m. on July 19, 2018.

12:06 p.m. According to DriveBC Highway 97 is closed again and it is not known when it will reopen.

There is an assessment in progress and an alternate route via Highway 97C, Highway 5A and Highway 3.

Residents should expect delays on Thursday morning between 1-2 hours. 

7:30 p.m. Hwy 97 has been reopened to single lane alternating traffic with RCMP escort.  Expect long delays. 

RCMP continue to work alongside the BC Wildfire Service, as they continue to maintain traffic control of Highway 97 near Peachland due to an active wildfire burning in the area.

“RCMP are piloting motor vehicles back and forth, through the portion of Highway 97 south of Antler’s Beach, which is presently impacted by the wildfire,” states RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the Kelowna Regional Detachment. “Our officers will continue to escort motorists in alternating directions, only when it is safe to do so and the public should prepare for sudden closures for undetermined amounts of time.”

RCMP continue to ask that the public avoid the general area. We recommend that motorists regularly check Drive BC for updated information, and consider planning an alternate route to alleviate traffic congestion.

Original story: 4:13 p.m. Wildfire near Brent Road closes Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland

Highway 97 is now closed in both directions between Peachland and Summerland due to a wildfire, reports DriveBC.

A fire near the Brent Road subdivision in Peachland has closed the highway.

The West Kelowna RCMP are actively assisting government agencies with the emergency closure of Highway 97 through Peachland.

On July 18, 2018 at approximately 3:30 p.m., RCMP were called upon to assist the BC Wildfire Service with the immediate closure of Highway 97 near Brent Road, in the vicinity of Antlers Beach in Peachland. The closure was necessary for the safety of the public due to a wildfire burning towards the highway.

Additional RCMP officers, from the South Okanagan, have also closed Highway 97 south of Peachland.

RCMP are urging motorists to use alternate routes, via Highway 97C, Highway 5A and Highway 3. RCMP would also like to urge the general public to avoid the area for their own safety, and well-being, as well as the safety and well-being of emergency personnel operating in the area.

RCMP are also reminding the public that they must stay clear of firefighting aircraft that are collecting water from our lakes in the region, including Okanagan Lake.

Updates to be provided as they become available. 

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