Highway 97 has been closed in both directions south of Peachland – Peachland News

Photo: Brian Lehman

Part of the scene of the crash that shut down Interstate 97 near Peachland.

UPDATE 17:25

DriveBC is now reporting that Highway 97 south of Peachland is expected to reopen at 6 p.m.

UPDATE: 17:10

A driver taking Forest Service Road 201 from Penticton to Kelowna says the road is in “good condition.”

“I’m dry and I’ve got a bit of a bad visibility but other than that it’s good. I started around 3pm and there was a bit of light traffic,” said motorist Jeremy Smid.

Smid says the route took about two hours.

Another reader tells Castanet that the Main Trout Road is also in decent shape and is an option to avoid the crash.

The trail was publicized by the provincial government last year as a way to bypass the Summerland landslide and has been maintained ever since.

The Trout Main FSR connects to Princeton Avenue on the Peachland side and Princeton-to-Summerland Road on the Summerland end.

The Trout Main FSR route will add 90 minutes to the trip and is better for people traveling between Summerland and Peachland. Those traveling between Penticton and Kelowna should use the 201 FSR. Both routes are gravel roads.

Maps for both routes are below:

Photo: BC Governor

UPDATE 16:50

Interstate 97 is closed south of Peachland and could remain closed into the evening.

“Estimated opening time is not available,” DriveBC said.

Drivers are told to detour onto Forest Service Road 201 (directions in a previous update). Castanet asked the ministry for an update on the condition of the road.

The next DriveBC update is scheduled for 6:45 p.m

UPDATE 15:25

RCMP officers are advising drivers at the scene that the highway is expected to be closed for at least six hours.

UPDATE 14:50

DriveBC says Highway 97 remains closed in both directions two kilometers south of Peachland near Brent Road.

DriveBC now says a detour via Forest Service Road 201 is available, suggesting the highway closure will be a long one. There is no estimated reopening time.

201 Forest Service Road can be accessed from Highway 33 near McCulloch Road southeast of Kelowna and via Warren/Carmi avenues in Penticton.

The route adds 60 to 90 minutes more than highway driving time.

The next DriveBC update is scheduled for 4:00 p.m

UPDATE: 13:50

West Kelowna RCMP confirm a serious crash has occurred on Highway 97 near Brent Rd.

The police are on the scene.

“The highway is currently closed in both directions and is experiencing serious congestion. Officers will reopen the highway as soon as the scene is fully processed, however long delays are expected,” said Cpl. Michael Gauthier.

ORIGINAL: 13:36

Highway 97 near Peachland is shut down in both directions after a crash.

According to DriveBC, Highway 97 is closed closed in both directions near Brent Rd. after a vehicle incident.

Paramedics and RCMP are heading to since.

Drivers should expect major delays.

“Traffic is backed up northbound on Peachland due to what appears to be an accident. It was stopped for long distances,” said a driver.

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