The highway at the foot of the hill going into Bella Coola is in jeopardy due to an influx of water, said Sam McCarthy as he updated city council on Interior Roads’ summer maintenance program Tuesday.
“I just received clearance to haul some rip rap there to try and armour the banks to protect a 100-metre section of the highway,” McCarthy said. “There’s a lot of water coming fast. We’ve got patrols out there making sure the culverts are free of debris.”
Closer to home, McCarthy confirmed the Ministry of Transportation will be out doing some drilling at the site of the large bump that crosses Highway 20 near the golf course.
“They will take core samples to see how much pavement they have there and determine what’s happening beneath the surface,” he said. “They will come up with a longterm plan. There’s water coming from all over, they aren’t sure what’s going on.”
Coun. Jason Ryll said several residents have asked him about the orange markings on the bridge going over Williams Lake Creek on Highway 20.
“That bridge is up for replacement so highways brought some contractors to have a look at it,” McCarthy responded. “The orange markers are indicating weaker spots. Hopefully that happens in the next year.”