British Columbia

Coquihalla Highway closed for 4 hours due to 'police incident'

The Coquihalla Highway has been reopened in both directions following an incident RCMP referred to earlier Wednesday as "active and unfolding."

RCMP releasing few details about why highway was closed between Hope and Merritt, B.C.

A still taken from video shot during a closure of the Coquihalla Highway on Nov. 23, 2022, shows a line of emergency vehicles rushing to deal with an undisclosed incident.
A still taken from video shot during a closure of the Coquihalla Highway on Nov. 23, 2022, shows a line of emergency vehicles rushing to deal with an undisclosed incident. (Kevin Cage)

UPDATE, Nov. 24, 2022: 3 arrested after Coquihalla Highway police chase, hunt for suspects in carjacking: RCMP


The Coquihalla Highway has re-opened in both directions following an incident RCMP referred to earlier Wednesday as "active and unfolding."

The highway was closed between Hope and Merritt, B.C., at around 2:30 p.m. PT, as police reported in a written statement that "a large number of policing resources from surrounding areas are being sent to the area of Juliet Bridge, just south of Merritt near the Coquihalla summit."

It was re-opened by 6:30 p.m., when RCMP reported that the "incident" had ended but said they would not be releasing any further information about what had happened.

"We thank all motorists for their patience," Sgt. Chris Manseau said in a written statement.

"The investigation into the need for the closure remains active and ongoing, and the public can anticipate seeing a marked increase in police vehicles in the area."

In an earlier interview, RCMP Sgt. Josh Roda declined to confirm further details about the incident but said it is not believed to be connected to a kidnapping and series of shootings in Merritt, B.C., over the past week.

With files from Joseph Otoo