B.C. ready to proceed with permanent repairs to flood-damaged Coquihalla Highway

Permanent repairs could be completed by the end of this year on three of the seven Coquihalla Highway bridges damaged during last November's devastating rain, floods and washouts.

The Highways Ministry says it is starting the process to select contractors for repairs at three sites between the Coquihalla summit and Merritt, with work to start this summer and wrap up later in the year.

A tender package is also being prepared for contractors interested in handling permanent repairs to the washed out Othello section of Highway 5, just east of Hope.

The ministry says more details about repairs to Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon and Highway 8 in the Nicola Valley will be shared in the coming weeks.