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Highway opening timeline still unclear

Highway 97 between the Mackenzie junction and Chetwynd remained unpassable Tuesday afternoon, and as crews continue to clear the way, the Ministry of Transportation still can't commit to a solid re-opening date.
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Highway 97 between the Mackenzie junction and Chetwynd remained unpassable Tuesday afternoon, and as crews continue to clear the way, the Ministry of Transportation still can't commit to a solid re-opening date.

"We'll have a better idea further in the week on the opening time," said Transportation Ministry spokesman Jeff Knight.

The 30-kilometre stretch of highway north of Prince George was hammered by severe rains nearly two weeks ago, causing numerous washouts.

Dozens of pieces of heavy equipment and personnel have been working on 15 sites on the stretch of highway. No bridges have been washed out, but several approaches to bridges were.

Once the traffic is flowing it is expected to be limited to a single lane at scheduled times led by a pilot car.

The public is asked to check www.drivebc.ca for updates.

Highway 97 North is a major connection between Prince George and northeastern B.C., and those travelling to or from the area have had to use a significant detour through Alberta, and then Highway 16, east of Prince George.

Although Highway 97 remains closed, two other key roads have been re-opened in the Peace region.

Highway 29 between Chetwynd and Hudson Hope has reopened to double-lane traffic. The public is asked to obey any traffic control personnel and signage.

A dangerous goods route in the Dawson Creek area has also been re-opened.

The major floods that caused washouts in the Peace Region were considered a one in 40-year event.

Up to 150 millimetres of rain fell during an approximately four-day period, resulting in damage at about 100 sites on more than 80 roads throughout the Peace region. Of the 100 sites, crews have been able to open more than 80 to full operation or to single-lane, alternating traffic.

Both the rainfall and the flood warnings have ended for the region. Drier weather is forecast through the week, and rivers are expected to continue to drop.

Roads were not the only sites to face impacts or damage.

The flooding and a subsequent mud slide caused a CN derailment about 64 kilometres south of Chetwynd. The rail line was re-opened last Friday.

The derailment involved six cars, four of which were empty and two which were carrying steel pipe. No one was injured in the incident, said CN spokesperson Kelli Svendsen.

Walter Energy also temporarily idled its Willow Creek coal mine because washouts cut off access to the mine in northeastern B.C.

Pembina Pipeline also continues to have its western pipeline -- which runs from Taylor in northeast B.C. to Kamloops, via Prince George -- shut down as a proactive measure. The pipeline does not have any leaks, but the pipeline has been exposed in some areas, said Pembina spokesman Shawn Davis.

She couldn't give a time when the pipeline might be operating again.

"We want to make sure the area is safe to go into to remediate, and from there we can do our assessment," said Davis.