Pothole Problems on Coquihalla: Why Truckers Are Fed Up With Highway 5

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – The Highway That’s Punchin’ Back

If you're running loads through British Columbia, chances are you’ve danced with the beast that is Highway 5 — the Coquihalla. Known for its stunning mountain views and wicked winter weather, the Coq now has a new rep: a truck killer full of potholes.

Truckers are speaking up, and it ain’t pretty. Tires, suspensions, and even axles are takin' hits. But as usual, the folks behind the wheel are the ones payin' the price — literally and figuratively.

Let’s break down what’s going on, what it means for drivers, and what nobody’s talkin’ about — in true "Report Better News" fashion.

The Breakdown – When a Road Becomes a Wallet Killer

Big Rigs vs. Big Craters – Truckers are reporting serious issues with the condition of Coquihalla Highway 5, especially around winter-slammed areas. Deep potholes, uneven pavement, and a total lack of timely repair have turned a major freight route into an obstacle course.

Tire Blowouts & Suspension Damage – One pothole at 60mph can end your day — or your week. Drivers are shelling out thousands on repairs that could’ve been avoided if basic maintenance had been done.

Loads Delayed – Delays cost money. Whether you’re on mileage pay or hauling for a customer directly, showing up late because your truck got hammered by a crater-sized pothole doesn’t make for happy business.

What the Suits Say vs. What Drivers Know

Government’s Take? – “We’re working on it.” The usual. There are repair projects in the pipeline, but ask any driver out there right now and they’ll tell you: the fixes ain’t coming fast enough.

Driver Reality – When your front end's out of alignment, your trailer’s shakin', and your nerves are fried from dodging disaster every mile — you stop trusting empty promises.

Insurance Ain’t Helping – Try claiming a blown tire from a pothole. Let us know how that works out. (Spoiler: It won’t.)

Why This Story Matters More Than It Seems

This ain’t just about potholes — it’s about how little respect drivers get. Roads like this put the safety of truckers, four-wheelers, and freight at risk, and nobody gets loud until something bad happens.

Here’s what they’re missing:

It’s not “just part of the job.” Potholes this bad are the result of negligence, not weather.

Drivers eat the cost. You think the DOT is reimbursing anyone? Not a chance.

Time = Money. Sitting on the shoulder or at the shop ain’t paying the bills.

Multiple Perspectives – Not All Doom and Gloom

Some Local Crews Are Trying – Word is, certain maintenance teams are doing what they can with limited resources. Drivers have spotted patch trucks out there, but the work doesn’t keep up with the damage.

Owner-Ops Hit Hardest – Company drivers at least have fleet support. But if you're an owner-operator? That busted leaf spring or alignment issue is all on you. And don’t even get started on downtime.

Alternative Routes? – Some are detouring where possible, but it’s not always efficient — and mountain routes ain’t friendly to every load.

The Industry Response – Where’s the Backbone?

Where’s the advocacy? Where’s the big trucking companies calling out this mess on behalf of drivers?

You’d think they’d be shouting from the mountaintops — but it’s mostly crickets. Instead, it’s independent drivers and small fleet owners raising hell on social media.

A few driver forums and Facebook groups are posting videos showing the worst spots — and it’s making some noise. But it’s gonna take more than likes and angry reacts to get real change.

Bottom Line – The Coq Ain’t Supposed to Be a Gauntlet

A major trucking corridor shouldn’t feel like a demolition derby. Yet here we are. If you're running that route, do these three things:

Inspect your rig hard before and after the run

Document damage and locations — even if nobody’s paying attention now, it adds up

Speak up — record vids, share pics, tag your reps

We don’t need pity. We need pavement.

Call to Action

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