Highway 3A between Castlegar and Thrums was closed Tuesday afternoon due to mudslides caused by a thunderstorm. Police were keeping all traffic off of Highway 3A and diverting traffic to Pass Creek Road for those travelling to Nelson.
Police on the scene said that mud, water, and other debris were flowing onto the highway and at least two other mudslides spots on the road were in danger of coming down.
There are no injuries or damage reported.
There is no estimate as to when the highway will re-open.
A press release from Kootenay Boundary RCMP said:
The Nelson and Castlegar area are currently experiencing a severe lightning and thunder storm. Due to very heavy rain/ muddy water accumulation, the Castlegar Fire Chief and Castlegar RCMP have closed Highway 3A between the Brilliant Dam viewing pullout and Lookout Road, Castlegar. It has been reported that one of the lanes of the road of Highway 3A near the Selkirk College has become unstable and the highway has just been closed in that area as well. This situation is continuing to evolve and is subject to change.
- Various agencies such as PEP, Department of Highways, YRB Road Maintenance have been notified and are attending the area.
- Efforts are currently underway to have the area assessed.
- Castlegar RCMP members are on scene and the situation is being closely monitored.
- It is unknown at this time how long the highway will remain closed.
- Efforts are underway to have flag crews in place to redirect traffic.
Motorists are presently able to drive from Nelson south via Hwy 6 to Salmo and then take Hwy 3 Trail to travel through to Castlegar or visa versa.
flooding in Castlegar