Coquihalla Highway Closure: Severe Delays And Detours Imposed On Highway 5
A major incident on the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) has triggered an immediate closure of the northbound lanes, causing significant gridlock for travellers heading into the British Columbia interior. Emergency crews are currently on-scene between Hope and Merritt managing a multi-vehicle collision that has halted traffic as of July 25, 2026. DriveBC has warned motorists to expect prolonged delays and to seek alternative routes immediately.
| Key Detail | Current Status & Information |
|---|---|
| Affected Route | Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway), Northbound |
| Location | Between Hope and Merritt (near Larson Hill) |
| Incident Type | Multi-vehicle collision and vehicle fire |
| Current Status | Northbound lanes closed; Southbound down to single lane |
| Estimated Reopening | Under assessment by ministry officials |
| Primary Detours | Highway 1 (Fraser Canyon) and Highway 3 (Crowsnest) |
| Last Updated | July 25, 2026, at 2:30 PM PDT |
Context & Background Section
The disruption on the Coquihalla Highway occurs during peak summer travel season when volume on this vital corridor is exceptionally high. Today's incident, involving commercial semi-trucks and passenger vehicles, occurred near the Larson Hill stretch, a notorious high-elevation zone known for steep grades and unpredictable traffic patterns. A subsequent vehicle fire has complicated recovery efforts, requiring specialized hazardous material crews to secure the site.
This corridor serves as the primary transit artery connecting the Lower Mainland with the Okanagan and the rest of Western Canada. Due to the high-speed nature of Highway 5, any incident on key stretches like the Great Bear Snowshed or Larson Hill quickly cascades into massive logistical bottlenecks. First responders are prioritizing safety as they work to clear debris and inspect the asphalt for structural damage caused by the intense heat of the vehicle fire.
Impact & Utility Section
For commuters currently caught in the backup or planning to travel today, understanding alternative routes is critical to avoiding hours of gridlock. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has mobilized digital message boards across the Fraser Valley to redirect traffic before drivers reach the bottleneck at Hope.
Motorists must adjust their travel plans using the following primary detours:
- Highway 1 (Fraser Canyon): This route remains open but is experiencing heavily increased traffic volume. Expect slower speeds and an additional 60 to 90 minutes of travel time.
- Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway): Recommended for travellers heading to the Southern Okanagan. Be prepared for winding mountain passes and potential delays near Manning Park.
- Highway 5A: Only open to local traffic and essential service vehicles to prevent gridlock on secondary roads.
Drivers are strongly advised to ensure their vehicles have sufficient fuel or battery charge before committing to detour routes. The hot summer temperatures on July 25, 2026, also mean travellers should carry extra water, emergency supplies, and monitor their vehicles for signs of overheating during slow-moving climbs.
RCMP: No injuries reported in Coquihalla Highway collision | 98.3 CIFM
What's Next Section
Ministry of Transportation engineers are currently on-site evaluating the condition of the road surface. High-temperature vehicle fires can compromise asphalt integrity, meaning emergency repaving may be required before lanes can safely reopen to public traffic.
DriveBC will provide its next comprehensive update on the Coquihalla Highway closure later this evening. Officials have not provided a firm timeline for reopening but indicate that northbound lanes will likely remain obstructed well into the night. Travellers should continuously monitor active DriveBC feeds and local radio updates before departing.
