Malahat partially re-opened to alternate single lane traffic after Monday’s flooding

On November 16th, heavy rain and subsequent flooding closed the Malahat between Finlayson Arm Road and Wellswood Road in both directions, blocking the Cowichan Valley and rest of the Island from accessing Victoria. 

See more: Malahat closed in both directions due to extreme flooding (VIDEO)

Emcon Services, which provides road maintenance on the South Island, was quickly on scene, removing the center barrier and outside barriers along a point of concern along the highway between Cowichan Valley and Victoria to allow the water to drain off the road. 

Although this helped to remove some of the flooding from the highway, Emcon Services was concerned about the safety of the highway’s ground stability in this section with large amounts of water remaining on the road. 

As a result, the closure remained in place overnight, with a geotechnical assessment said to be completed by early Tuesday morning. 

As of 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the assessment of this portion of the highway has been completed and the highway has been partially re-opened. 

According to DriveBC, the Malahat has reopened allowing for those travelling essential reasons to travel on the highway. 

A video sent to Victoria Buzz Monday morning showed the highway submerged in water.

At the damaged site, the Malahat will operate with single lane, alternating traffic. 

Major delays are expected. 

On November 16th, the Brentwood Bay-Mill Bay ferry worked throughout the night to bring stranded passengers over the Saanich Inlet. 

Regular scheduled ferry service on this route resumed with the 7:30 a.m. sailing departing Brentwood Bay.