The infamous stretch of highway connecting the Interior to the Lower Mainland has once again proved to be deadly this winter.

The Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt has been closed a total of 21 times since October, with two fatal crashes occurring in February.

Final update on the #Coquihalla MVI: A total of 29 patients were transported to hospital by ground and air in conditions ranging from stable to critical. A total of 136 uninjured people were taken to a warming centre in Hope. We have now cleared the scene. #bcehs

— EmergHealthServices (@BC_EHS) February 26, 2018

"Better work needs to be done prior to storms and when they hit plowing needs to be an absolute necessity. That’s very important for keeping the highway open 24/7," said Merritt Mayor Neil Menard.

"Being closed like it has this winter, 21 times, that's absolutely ridiculous."

Photo Credit: Twitter – Hope Search and Rescue.

Mayor Menard and four city councillors recently met with Transportation Minister Clare Trevena to discuss possible improvements to what has been called one of the deadliest highways in Canada.

"The condition of the highway, highway maintenance, snowplowing, snow removing, policing, commercial vehicles undergoing proper mountain training and chaining up properly was discussed," said Menard.

"We strongly believe here and in a number of areas throughout the province that the contractors have to do a much better job."

The education and conduct of some commercial truckers has also come under scrutiny. 

#Coquihalla now open after spun out semi hauling an oversized load delayed traffic. Truck was modified to be incapable of applying chains and CVSE has parked the truck. #BCHwy5 pic.twitter.com/9qiJzrDLlw

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) March 5, 2018

"They should have proper mountain training before they get their class 1 license, they should have to chain up prior to hitting the heavier and longer hills," explained Menard. 

"Some don't even know how to put their chains on, there is a lot of learning that has to happen."

02/25/2018 – 20:28hrs #HopeSAR called out for a multi vehicle crash, including buses, semis & cars on #Hwy5. Mutual aid included @ChilliwackSAR @HopeFireDept #AgassizFireDept #PopkumFireDept #Coquihalla pic.twitter.com/3ogB1D9sws

— Hope SAR (@hopesar1) February 26, 2018

A serious crash involving two transport trucks, two tour buses and multiple vehicles sent 29 people to hospital in February. 

The Coquihalla was also closed for several hours last Friday following a vehicle incident.