Construction is set to start on a new access road to the community of Old Fort, British Columbia, following a landslide that cut off the only road link and prompted an evacuation order. The landslide occurred on Old Fort Road, approximately five kilometres south of Fort St. John, B.C., as shown in an undated handout photo from the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
Landslide triggers evacuation
The landslide on Old Fort Road triggered an evacuation order and severed road access in and out of Old Fort. The incident left residents stranded and raised concerns about emergency access and supplies. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit has been working on plans to restore connectivity to the affected community.
Construction timeline
The ministry announced that construction of a temporary access road will begin immediately, with crews mobilizing to the site. The new road is expected to provide a reliable route for residents and emergency services while a permanent solution is developed. The project aims to restore access as quickly as possible, given the remote location and the importance of the road for daily life and safety.
Local officials have emphasized the urgency of the project, noting that the landslide has isolated the community and disrupted essential services. The evacuation order remains in effect until the road is deemed safe for travel.
This development comes as part of broader efforts to address landslide risks in the region, which is prone to such events due to its geology and weather patterns. The ministry has not yet provided a specific completion date but stated that work will proceed on a priority basis.
