Slope Stabilization Work On Highway 4 Moves Toward Full Reopening

Beginning Monday, crews will begin rock scaling on the hillside affected by wildfire along Highway 4.

“This is a crucial step to ensure Highway 4 can fully reopen as soon as possible, end single-lane-alternating traffic, and keep goods and people moving into our western communities,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation, and Infrastructure.

“We know this has been a challenging time for businesses and the tourism sector on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and we thank people for their patience as we work as quickly as possible to get this main corridor safely operating at full capacity again.”

A geotechnical assessment of the bluff has determined rock scaling is required before the highway can be safely reopened to two-way traffic at Cameron Lake Bluffs.

This work will involve removing loose rocks above the highway, and that means road closures.

Closures will be in place from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday until mid-August, with a two-hour opening to flush traffic daily between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

There will be no closures on weekends, including on the B.C. Day long weekend.

Given the nature of the work, rock scaling must be completed during good weather and daylight hours.

Outside of the closure periods, Highway 4 will continue to operate with single-lane-alternating traffic, and will remain available for residents, travelers, and commercial traffic.

The ministry urges all drivers to use patience and plan trips accordingly as traffic queues are expected to be lengthy.

The detour route will remain open for public use. Oversized loads requiring permits are required to take the detour.

The highway was closed on June 6th as crews began to fight the Cameron Lake Bluffs wildfire.