UPDATE: Highway 97 south of Vernon reopens but road still super slippery

A section of Highway 97 south of Vernon closed for several hours earlier today is now back open.

However, Vernon RCMP is saying the road conditions remain extremely icy and drivers are urged to slow down and use caution.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, Highway 97 between College Way and Bailey Road was closed to traffic in both directions following a multi-vehicle collision.

At roughly 9:45 a.m. Jan. 7, a small passenger vehicle and a semi-truck collided while travelling southbound on Highway 97 near Birnie Road.

Two vehicles travelling southbound left the road and ended up in the ditch in order to avoid the collision.

Police say that one person was treated for minor injuries at the scene by B.C. Ambulance Services but no other injuries were reported.

The City of Vernon reported earlier that some vehicles, including large trucks, have become stuck in the area.

While the section of the highway was closed an alternate route was established and traffic was detoured to Mission Road and Commonage Road.

For the latest highway conditions go to Drive B.C. here.

— This story was updated at 2:05 p.m. Friday, January, 2022 to report the highway had reopened.

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