Work to connect the Lower Mainland with the Interior is underway with Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack opening up today (Thursday).

The BC Government said that this will reduce congestion on Highway 7, but restrictions will remain in place on Highway 7 to ensure the movement of essential goods.

Residents are still being asked to stay off of Highway 1 unless it’s necessary, and drivers should expect slow traffic and reduced speed limits.

Commercial vehicles over 63,500 kilograms are prohibited from travelling on Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack at this time.

The section of Highway 1 through Bridal Falls between Highway 9 and Hope was reopened the evening of Nov. 20.

This section of highway remains one lane in each direction for essential travel only, with cleanup and repairs ongoing.

Into the Fraser Canyon, Highway 1 between Hope and Boothroyd, just east of Boston Bar, has been open since Nov. 21.

Highway 1 remains closed from Boothroyd through to Spences Bridge and damage assessments are ongoing.

Any other updates can be found on the DriveBC website.