Part of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt was closed Friday morning because of a large sinkhole that appeared Thursday evening.

According to Drive B.C., northbound lanes are closed because of the washout between Exit 202 at Portia and Exit 217 at the Zopkios Brake Check, three kilometres south of Great Bear Snowshed.

Authorities say urgent sinkhole repairs are needed and an assessment is in progress.

With northbound closed between Hope and Merritt, Drive B.C. recommends drivers use alternative routes on Highway 1 or Highway 3.

An update is expected on the highway closure Friday afternoon.

ticrawford@postmedia.com

See Full Page