Coquihalla Highway reopens after lengthy long weekend closure

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Posted May 22, 2017 12:36 pm.

Last Updated May 23, 2017 7:41 am.

This article is more than 5 years old.

MERRITT (NEWS 1130) – Traffic is now moving again in both directions on the Coquihalla Highway, though only one lane is open southbound for the time being.

The popular route had been completely shut down about 25 kilometers south of Merritt since early Monday morning after a transport truck carrying some type of chemicals caught fire.

All lanes were blocked for over 24 hours as hazardous materials team cleared away the remnants of the charred truck.

The Ministry of Transportation has not yet said what dangerous goods the truck was carrying but Interior Health issued a warning that smoke from the fire could create health problems.

It advised anyone who smelled or tasted anything unusual in the air to immediately go inside, close windows and doors and turn off any air conditioning.

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