If you are heading out on the Sea to Sky Highway this week, here is everything you need to know about the current road conditions.
Driving weather
Here is how the weather is set to shape up this week.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says an upper trough will shift southward across the province today, bringing clouds and a brief heat reprieve to the south coast.
"Those planning backcountry adventures should be aware of a slight chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms in northern sections of the Sea to Sky, Whistler, and Pemberton," he said.
Today, Environment Canada says we can expect a high of 26 C and an overnight low of 14 C.
Temperatures will increase again on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as a ridge of high pressure strengthens offshore, and a thermal trough develops along the coast, producing dry, hot conditions, Ross added.
Daytime highs may reach 30 inland, with overnight lows near 16, potentially triggering heat warnings.
Crashes happen on the Sea to Sky Highway, regardless of the weather.
Sometimes, there can be lengthy road closures of five hours or more, while a serious crash is investigated and cleared.
That means travellers should be prepared to be stopped for that long in the heat.
Other times, like July 14, there is rock scaling at Porteau Cove that slows things down for anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.
Be sure to carry plenty of water, snacks, a pillow, blanket, car charger, and a first aid kit.
Hats and sunscreen can come in handy as well.
Watch for wildlife
Watch for wildlife as deer, coyotes, and bears have recently been seen along or on the highway in our region.
Report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service Hotline at 1.877.952.7277.
The Government of B.C. provides the following tips to help drivers avoid hitting wildlife on highways:
- Be extra cautious at dawn, dusk, and night—these are peak animal movement times
- Follow posted speed limits and scan the ditches for movement or for the reflection of eyes from your headlights
- Slow down when you see an animal—some animals like deer freeze in panic, while moose may run along the road
- Many animals travel in groups, so if you see one, slow down until you are well past
- Obey wildlife warning signs—they’re placed in high-risk areas based on real data
- Never swerve suddenly to avoid an animal, as this can lead to a more serious collision—brake firmly and stay in your lane
- Use high beams when possible to spot animals sooner
Forest service roads (FSR)
For full forest service road access reports, go to this provincial government site.
If you are new to driving FSRs, check out this handy guide.
Traffic events & roadwork alerts
Check out our map below, full of DriveBC events happening along Highway 99.
Click on any of the pins to see more information about each event.
Stay safe out there.
Downtown maintenance
The District says that Cleveland Avenue traffic island maintenance will begin on Tuesday, July 15.
Work will take place from 6 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m.
"Please watch for traffic control and crews during these times," the District post reads.
Drivers should expect the following lane closures:
July 15: Crews will be working on traffic island 1 to remove the remaining irrigation system. A left lane closure at Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99 will be in effect.
July 16 and 17: Crews will be working on traffic islands 2 to 5 for general maintenance work. Cleveland Avenue lane closures will be in effect while the work is being completed.
"Residents in the vicinity may hear early morning noise in the area from this work," the District post adds.
Squamish Canyon road update
The Squamish Canyon project, set to open on Aug. 1, will be closing Powerhouse Springs Road and Mamquam Falls Road from July 15 to 17 and again July 22, 23.
"We're upgrading to serve you better," the post reads.
Spit Road closure
The District announced on July 4 that there is a temporary road closure for Spit Rd.
"[We have] been advised that Spit Road will be temporarily closed at Culvert #2 to allow for invasive species removal," reads a District social media post.
"All work is being completed according to best management practices provided by the Province of BC and in consultation with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC)."
The work will take up to two weeks to complete and it is anticipated that the road will be closed to the public through to July 18.
"Please respect road and trail closure signage. Thanks for your patience while this work is being completed!" the District said.
Gas Prices as of July 14
The removal of the motor fuel carbon tax has had an impact on local gas prices.
In Squamish today, regular gas in town is going for 159.9 cents per litre at most area stations.
Before the carbon tax was removed, gas in town was at about 178.9¢/L
(The B.C. government cancelled the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective April 1.)
In Whistler, regular gas is on offer for 161.9¢/L, at most local stations.
In Pemby, gas is on offer for 159.9¢/L, at AC Gas, 7432 Prospect St.
But, if you are on your way to Vancouver, the cheapest gas we could find there today was 161.9¢/L at the Esso at 5702 Granville St., again according to Gas Buddy.
Duffey news
If you drive The Duffey (Duffey Lake Road—Highway 99 to non-locals), you have likely wondered if the dang road is set to be repaved anytime soon.
Well, we have the answer.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit told The Squamish Chief that there are plans to complete 15 km of hard surfacing on Highway 99 between Cayoosh Bridge and Boulder Creek Bridges, 10 to 25 km west of Lillooet.
This work started on July 3, and runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The anticipated end of construction will be Sept. 12.
"The construction speed zone during construction periods will be a maximum of 50 km/hr and will remain that posted speed until the roadway has been cleaned of loose rock and debris. The zone will be single lane alternating traffic that is controlled using a pilot car," reads a letter sent by Northwest Sealcoating Company and posted to the SLRD website.
