Daytime closures prompt delays on the Malahat this week

Months later, crews on Vancouver Island are still busy cleaning up the mess brought on by last fall’s extreme weather events.

It’s prompting a series of short daytime closures and delays on the Malahat this week, between Finlayson Arm Road and Tunnel Hill.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday (March 9th and 10th), crews will be removing tree debris along Hwy. 1, according to the provincial government.

That’s the highway connecting travellers from Mill Bay to Greater Victoria and vice-versa.

There will be eight 15-minute closures between those hours, but DriveBC says drivers should plan for approximately 35-minute delays.

Crews will also be resurfacing the northbound lane on this stretch of Hwy. 1 from 10 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Saturday, and DriveBC says single-lane alternating traffic will likely cue minor delays overnight.

“Drivers are asked to follow signs and obey posted speed limits,” DriveBC added, as it urged people to check its website or Twitter for up-to-date road closure information. 

In November 2021, an “atmospheric river” swept through parts of BC—including the South Island—causing extensive flooding and damage to major transportation arteries.

At the time, the Malahat saw pooling water and flash flooding as a section of the highway washed away. This led to immediate closures, but crews were able to reopen the road ahead of schedule.