Prince George, B.C.- For the second time in a year and a half, highway 16 between Terrace and Smithers was closed because of a rock slide. Highway 16 is supposed to be a key in the Pacific Gateway plan, linking shippers with the Port of Prince Rupert.

“It is an important corridor” says Dave Crebo, Ministry of Transportation spokesperson,  “but this type of slide is not unusual in B.C., it is what is to be expected when roads are built through the mountains.”

Crebo says the section of highway which experienced the slide yesterday, was already identified as an area of concern as mesh had already been put in place. “That’s part of the on going assessment of highways” says Crebo, “If an area looks susceptible to slides, then the best preventive measures are taken, and if there is a slide, well the best we can do is make sure the clean up is done as quickly as possible, but it is virtually impossible to ensure a slide won’t happen.”

This is the second slide in a year and a half on Highway 16 west, west of Smithers. In May of 2007 two people were killed when the pick up they were in was crushed by a major slide that forced the closure of the highway.  

Rock scalers are working at the scene of the latest slide. www.drivebc.ca has the latest info on  the status of travel through that area.