Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge has reopened to two-lane traffic for the first time since the 2021 atmospheric river, marking a major milestone in British Columbia’s flood-recovery efforts.

Severe flooding in 2021 washed out multiple sections of the highway, cutting off access to communities, homes and businesses along the corridor. The reopening signals significant progress under B.C.’s Highway Reinstatement Program, with permanent repairs now complete at 23 of the 25 damaged sites along Highway 8.

Work on the corridor included reinstating and retrofitting three damaged bridges, building two new climate-resilient bridges and restoring 13 kilometres of roadway lost to flooding. The upgrades are designed to improve safety and reliability while strengthening the highway’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.

Environmental improvements were also incorporated into the project to offset the impacts of reconstruction. These measures included planting vegetation along stream banks and creating side channels to support fish habitat, helping speed ecosystem recovery following the atmospheric river.

The remaining work is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 and includes additional environmental restoration, resurfacing remaining sections of roadway, removing two temporary bridges and placing riprap at sites 9 and 10 to protect new structures.

The project was delivered through consultation and collaboration with local Indigenous communities, residents, industry partners and other stakeholders.

Drivers may still encounter intermittent lane closures as final work is completed and are advised to follow posted signage.