LANGLEY, B.C. (April 6, 2005) — As a result of lobbying by the B.C. Trucking Association, the province has purchased and implemented new avalanche mitigation measures.

The government — responding to BCTA’s concerns over lengthy avalanche-related closures of Hwy. 1 — has acquired equipment that would allow charges to be set remotely — regardless of weather.

Previously, staff would reduce the risk of an avalanche by setting off explosive charges via helicopter to force a build-up of snow to break up. However, in severe weather conditions, such as that experienced in the winter of 2003, this could not be done because it was too dangerous for helicopters to fly. As a consequence, says BCTA, the only avenue open to the ministry was to close the highway until the risk had passed or avalanche mitigation measures could be taken.

While the highway still needs to be closed when avalanche conditions are ideal in order for explosive charges to be detonated, the delays to clear the highway after an avalanche mitigation exercise are much shorter (1 to 2 hours) and public notice about the closure can be issued so that carriers can, as best they can, plan for closures, BCTA says,

According to the trucking association, the province is now reviewing other highways in the province to determine whether they would be served by the purchase of avalanche mitigation equipment.