Drivers heading to or from the Lower Mainland are being told to watch for a series of closures on the Trans Canada Highway, west of Hope, due to rock scaling work.

An estimated six weeks of work is set to begin on Monday, April 17 with drivers being told to watch for closures in both directions near Exit 160 at Hunter Creek Road.

“A wildfire in September 2022 consumed vegetation along the bluff that helped bind rocks together, creating an increased risk of rockfall. This work will mitigate that risk,” the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said, in a news release.

The Ministry says the full closures – each of which will be 20 minutes – will happen on the hour, beginning at 8 a.m., with the last closure at 6 p.m. On Friday afternoons, the last closure will be at 2 p.m., with no work taking place on Sundays.

“The closures will result in delays for travellers of 20 to 35 minutes to allow the safe removal of debris,” the Ministry added. “Longer delays are possible for unexpected issues.”

A detour is available via Highway 7, with drivers being told to obey the direction of traffic control personnel on scene as well as all construction zone speed limits.

There will be no closures from Friday, May 19 through Monday, May 22 over the Victoria Day long weekend.