Road closures and one-way alternating traffic has created long delays for Mission commuters, especially on Highway 7 (Lougheed Highway).
Mike Younie, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer said the backlog of traffic is presumably coming from the east as commuters from Agassiz and Chilliwack are taking the highway and turning at Murray Street to access the Mission Bridge and eventually reach Highway 1.
In some cases the backup of vehicles is adding an extra hour to people’s commute.
The city has spoken with staff at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and was told that efforts are being taken to have flaggers in place during peak times for the rest of the week.
“They are aware of congestion and are looking for options for us,” said Younie. “We’ve talked to MLA (Pam) Alexis as well, she’s aware of it and talking to the Ministry.”
Younie said the Ministry is doing what it can but is extremely busy with everything that is going on all over the province.
Landslides and damaged or blocked roads caused by flooding and heavy rain have stretched resources to the limit.
“Apparently there is a deficit on flaggers right now.”
Travel on Highway 7 is supposed to be reserved for “essential travel” only and Younie suggests local residents avoid the highway if possible during peak hours (6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m.) and allow additional time for their journeys.
In a facebook post, the city suggested to “consider travelling 7th Avenue, 14th Avenue and Best Avenue as alternates for getting across Mission, and use side roads to shop in downtown.”
