Commercial drivers on the Coquihalla have a lot more room to equip their vehicles with chains now that the Box Canyon chain-up facility has expanded from 14 to more than 70 parking spaces.
But the larger site will be unchartered territory for many professional drivers this winter. Whiteout conditions combined with road markings hidden by snow and ice could make identifying parking spaces and through lanes difficult.
So, to help you prepare for the next big winter storm on this busy mountain pass, we produced a video that guides you through the facility using aerial drone footage and pop-ups identifying various site features.
Take a look!
You’ll note in the video that when the Coquihalla Protocol is activated, and the mandatory chain-up signs are flashing, there will be three traffic control people onsite directing drivers through the expanded chain-up, which is located northbound on Highway 5, about 32 kilometres north of Hope.
Please keep in mind, Box Canyon chain-up facility is for chaining up only. You are not permitted to remain parked beyond that time. This ensures incoming drivers have space to chain up.
The new facility comes a year after the Coquihalla summit experienced a total snowfall of 830 centimetres from Oct. 1 2017, to the end of February 2018. That’s 114 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
Remember: commercial vehicles must carry chains on most BC highways from Oct. 1 to March 31. For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early-spring snowfall.
Simply carrying chains is NOT enough! Equipment is useless if you don’t know how to use it. So, please ensure you know how to install chains before setting out.
Got a winter driving tip for those fellow professional drivers who may not be as experienced through mountain passes in winter? Leave a comment below.
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