The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol

[Note: Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Nicola) Ltd. took over the highway maintenance contract for Service Area 14 as of July 1, 2019].
The Coquihalla (BC Highway 5 from Hope to Merritt) is the province’s busiest mountain pass. At more than 1,200m in elevation, it’s also one of the routes hit hardest by heavy snowfall and other winter conditions.
Fear not… we have a plan, and a team of professionals to execute what we call: The Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol. When the snow flies, the team carries out a series of steps to make sure you safely make it up and over the summit.
Catch all the action in this video.
And remember… you can play a part in the Coquihalla Snowshed Protocol, too.
- Commercial truck drivers: make sure you have chains, know how to put them on, and chain up if the sign is on.
- Cars: make sure you have proper winter tires.
- Know Before You Go – Check DriveBC. If you have to go and heavy snow is in the forecast, be aware that there are other routes available: BC Highway 1 and Highway 3 may have less snow. Don’t know? Don’t go.
- If you do travel over the Coquihalla during the winter – SLOW DOWN and allow extra travel time. Obey variable speed limit signs, which change depending on weather and road conditions. They are the law.
- Remember: Standard speed limit signs are set for ideal driving conditions, and winter driving conditions are NOT ideal.