The Coldwater River, which flows through the Nicola Valley, was the starting point for the floodwaters from the November 2021 event, causing extensive downstream damage to the region. Among the hardest-hit areas were the various highway and bridges along the Coquihalla Highway.

Following initial preventive measures to protect critical infrastructure, RSI played a key role in the reconstruction efforts by providing both manpower and equipment to operate a local Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) quarry. Our team was responsible for supplying, hauling, and placing Class 250KG-1000KG rip rap armoring to protect the newly installed bridge abutments at the Juliet and Bottletop bridges along the Hwy 5 Coquihalla Highway.

Once the rip rap was in place, we undertook the task of revegetating the area to restore the natural riparian environment that had been washed away. Thanks to the efficiency and expertise of our team, we completed what was initially a seven-month project in just four months, accelerating the full reopening of the Coquihalla Highway between Merritt and Hope.