BURST
After more than three years, sightseers will once again be able to enjoy the Othello Tunnels at the Coquihalla Canyon Park.
Three of the five historic 111-year-old former-railway tunnels, closed in November 2021 after atmospheric river rain and flooding damaged more than 30 sites throughout the park, will re-open June 27.
Repair work is being done in phases and is estimated to cost $10 million. During the second phase, a new north bridge was installed, 10 new stalls were added to the parking lot, a portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail was resurfaced, and more slopes and rocks were stabilized in the canyon.
The rest of the park will remain temporarily closed as work continues, with the anticipated finish expected next spring.
The remaining work includes resurfacing the south bridge and stabilizing the inside of the fifth tunnel by adding pinned mesh to part of the ceiling and walls, and sprayed concrete wherever the rock is significantly deteriorated. Loose or unstable soil, rocks and vegetation will also be removed along the canyon slopes of the last two tunnels.
The first phase of park reopened in mid-July 2024 and has been rebuilt to better withstand the impacts of severe weather due to climate change.
The federal government’s disaster financial assistance arrangements program is footing the multi-million cost of the project. B.C. Parks is working with First Nations and archeology and cultural-heritage specialists to avoid potential impacts to archeological and heritage values during construction.