Two contractors working near Field, B.C. were rushed to hospital Tuesday after a rockslide resulted in about 10,000 cubic metres of debris falling on Highway 1, according to Parks Canada.
According to the agency, the pair was working while holes were being drilled to place explosives at a rock-scaling site. Both workers suffered non-life threatening injuries and Parks Canada said its “thoughts are with the individuals and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
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A stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway connecting Alberta and British Columbia was shut down because of the slide which occurred about 16 kilometres west of Field.
As of Tuesday evening, Lake Louise RCMP said the highway was impassable. Anyone planning to travel between Alberta and British Columbia via Highway 1 is asked to choose an alternate route or make arrangements for accommodations. The road was expected to be closed for between 24 and 72 hours.
The highway is closed to both east and westbound traffic while crews worked to clear the rock slide.
Alberta drivers looking to travel to British Columbia can divert south on Highway 93 to Invermere then go north on Highway 95 to Golden. For the latest information on the status of the highway, travellers can check online on Drive BC’s website.
Parks Canada said an update on an estimated reopening time is expected for 10 a.m. MT on Wednesday and would be posted to Drive BC.
RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters told Global News there is traffic control in the area, diverting motorists.
Curtis said, on the B.C. side of the slide, vehicles are stopped at Golden. On the Alberta side, he said traffic can’t get beyond Lake Louise, except residents of Field.
Parks Canada said a geotechnical assessment was underway to ensure the safety of personnel in preparation for clearing the highway of debris from the slide.