National

Remote Explosive System Will Keep Stretch Of Highway 1 Safer From Avalanches

The Canadian Press, 08 Aug, 2016 10:58 AM

VANCOUVER — Long delays caused by avalanche control on Highway 1 are a regular annoyance during winter travel through southeastern B.C., but the provincial government says that's about to change.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone says a new avalanche mitigation system will be operating this winter in Three Valley Gap, near Revelstoke.

The system permits remote firing of explosive charges into slide-prone slopes, allowing avalanche control around-the-clock and in all weather.

Currently, helicopters drop explosives onto dangerous slopes, but the work can only be done during daylight hours and in favourable weather.

Lengthy closures of Highway 1 are common near Revelstoke as vehicles wait for helicopters to finish, or foul weather prevents any avalanche control.

Stone says German-based Wyssen Avalanche Control has been awarded a $2.1-million contract to build eight remote firing systems through Three Valley Gap, with three to be operating this winter and the remained to be installed next year.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

All-Party Committee Will Study How To Sanction Justin Trudeau For Commons Fracas

One expert says the Liberal majority on the all-party committee of procedure and House affairs means it's unlikely Trudeau will face any punishment.

All-Party Committee Will Study How To Sanction Justin Trudeau For Commons Fracas

Meet The Man Who Will Help Draw The Blueprint For Canada's Economic Future

For Dominic Barton, the invitation to apply his decades worth of experience as an international economic fixer at home was a "duty" he didn't want to pass up.

Meet The Man Who Will Help Draw The Blueprint For Canada's Economic Future

After The Elbow: Ruth Ellen Brosseau Target Of Personal Attacks Since Commons Encounter

Brosseau, who admits to still being personally shaken by the incident, says her office has received a number phone calls, many of them suggesting she is "crying wolf."

After The Elbow: Ruth Ellen Brosseau Target Of Personal Attacks Since Commons Encounter

Disease Found In Salmon On One Fish Farm In B.C. But More Research Needed

VANCOUVER — Scientists have detected a potential disease in farmed Atlantic salmon for the first time in British Columbia, but say more research is needed to determine if it could affect wild populations of the fish.

Disease Found In Salmon On One Fish Farm In B.C. But More Research Needed

Terrorism-related Peace Bond To Be Lifted For P.E.I. University Student

CHARLOTTETOWN — The lawyer for a P.E.I. man accused of having enough castor beans to produce the deadly toxin ricin says his client will soon be freed from the conditions of a peace bond he signed a year ago.