Hwy 1 through Fraser Canyon open again following rockfall

An approximately 60-kilometrestretch of Highway 1 in southwestern B.C.has opened again following closures due to the threat of wildfireand then rainfall.

The section of highway in the Fraser Canyon between Boston Bar and Lyttonwas closed Aug. 17when theKookipi Creek wildfire jumped the roadway.

A few hours after it reopened Tuesday morning, an update from DriveBCsaidthe stretch would be closed from 8:30 p.m. PT Tuesday until at least 6 a.m. PT Wednesday due to anticipated rainfall and the associated risk of debris flow on the road.

Early Wednesday, DriveBC said there had been a rockfall on the highway, which has since been cleared. All lanes were opened around 8 a.m. PT.

A statement from the ministry on Tuesday hadwarned lanes or the entire highway could be closed again at any time depending on conditions.

Announcing the highway's reopening, the ministry saidits contractors had completed removing dangerous trees and loose rocks from the bluffs above the highway.

It warned that drivers taking the route should still prepare for "lengthy delays" by carryingplenty of water and food and ensuring their fuel tanks are full.

"Drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits and use caution around roadside workers. There is no stopping along the route outside of traffic queues, and if heavy smoke is present, please travel with headlights on," a statement said.

The Kookipi Creek blaze is burningover almost 170square kilometresaround 140 kilometres northeast of Vancouver and is still deemed a fire of note, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Alternativeroutes between the Lower Mainland and the Interior include highways 3, 5, and 99.