The Ministry of Transportation previously estimated that Boxing Day would be the earliest possible day for Hwy 3 to reopen.

However, thanks to the “around-the-clock efforts” of crews and the availability of materials, the Ministry was able to reopen the route around midnight today.

That’s just nine days after the “major washout” that occurred 42 kilometres east of the Hwy 3/5 junction.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Transportation

While traffic will now be able to drive that route again, that doesn’t mean long-term repairs have been made to the site.

Crews constructed an “interim alignment” that will serve as a temporary detour, which will operate as single-lane alternating traffic with a 30 km/h speed limit.

According to the Ministry, westbound drivers will be held around 500 metres east of the site to avoid lineups in an avalanche risk area where no stopping is permitted.

“Drivers must obey all signage and the instructions of traffic officials,” a Ministry statement explains. “The site will be closely monitored and the highway could be closed if conditions warrant.”

While the detour is suitable for passenger vehicles, the Ministry recommends that commercial drivers use Hwy 1 or Hwy 5 for travel until two-lane traffic can be restored on Hwy 3.

The detour alignment will remain in place until permanent repairs are complete and the Ministry says those will require “significant design and reconstruction.”