UPDATE (May 5, 2023):
Highway 3 between Creston and Salmo is now open to single-lane traffic following Wednesday’s mudslide.
The contractor in charge of the area has been working to clear debris that blocked the highway.
The slide initially came down Wednesday evening, about 30 kilometres west of Creston.
Officials with Yellowhead Road and Bridge said snowmelt is to blame for the incident.
Drive BC does not have an estimate as to when the road will fully reopen.
ORIGINAL STORY (May 4, 2023):
A mudslide late Wednesday has closed Highway 3 between Creston and Salmo until further notice.
A detour is available using the Kootenay Lake Ferry in the meantime.
However, Drive BC officials said there will be some delays due to congestion.
As of Thursday morning, there is a two-sailing wait between Kootenay Bay and Balfour because of the traffic backup.
An assessment is in progress, but there is no word yet as to when Highway 3 will reopen.