Tsilhqot'in National Government closed a bridge over the Chilcotin River due to cracks and landslide risks.
The Tsilhqot'in National Government in British Columbia closed a bridge over the Chilcotin River due to concerns for public safety after discovering new cracks near the site of a massive landslide that previously disrupted river flow. The bridge closure comes amidst concerns about future landslides and unstable riverbanks. The Chilcotin River was blocked by a landslide last week, which subsequently broke free, sending debris downstream into the Fraser River. The bridge will remain closed until further notice, and the province is currently assessing the cracks. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on migrating salmon as the Chilcotin River appears to have carved new paths after the landslide. The Fisheries Department is collaborating with First Nations and the B.C. government to assess the potential effects of the slide on salmon populations.