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Highway 97 had been closed in the past

Rock fault in 2008 resulted in three-week road closure north of Summerland
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SHUTTLE SERVICE In 2008, during an extended closure of Highway 97 north of Summerland, a water taxi service was put in place while the road was closed. Around 900 people a day used this service. (Summerland Review file photo)

The rock slide on Highway 97 is not the first time the highway north of Summerland has been closed for an extended period of time.

In October and November, 2008, a fault in the rock face beside the highway resulted in a road closure for around three weeks.

That fault was discovered in late October during a highway widening project north of Summerland.

Highways officials and geotechnical engineers examined the fault and closed the highway.

Lengthy detours, through Rock Creek or through Princeton, were put in place, adding hours to the drive time.

In early November, a water taxi and shuttle service was put in place to transport people past the fault line. The service had hourly sailings each day from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. until the highway was reopened. There was no cost to passengers for this service, but the province paid $1,400 an hour for the four boats used.

More than 900 people each day used the service.

A private shuttle service was also available for a fee.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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