Detour in place for ‘essential travel’ between Port Alberni and East Vancouver Island
Posted June 7, 2023 1:10 pm.
Last Updated June 7, 2023 9:32 pm.
A detour has now opened up, but the main highway that connects Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet to the rest of Vancouver Island is still closed due to a wildfire.
The Cameron Bluffs wildfire continues to burn out-of-control along Highway 4 by Cameron Lake. The highway has been closed in both directions since Tuesday night.
Read more: Vancouver Island wildfire shuts highway to, from Port Alberni
The detour is on a gravel logging road between Bamfield and Lake Cowichan. The Ministry of Transportation warns that the route has narrow sections, sharp curves, single-lane bridges and challenging terrain. There is no cell service, gas stations, or washroom facilities on the route.
The route adds an extra four hours of travel time. The ministry is “strongly encouraging” people to wait to travel. That sentiment is echoed by Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions.
“Any detour route in and out of this community is not ideal. It’s worst-case scenario. If you need to travel that route — please travel safely.”
“We are firmly discouraging people from travel unless it is absolutely necessary,” she added.
“We very much want to prioritize that route for the safe passage of goods in and out of the community, and emergency vehicles that may need it.”
(TRANBC / Flickr Image)
Minions said all the hotels in Port Alberni were full Tuesday night due to the- road closure, and 160 people slept in the town’s emergency reception centre.
“It really takes a community to support people in these times, and our community has really come together for that as they always do.”
A map of the detour route will be available through an Emergency Travel Information button on the DriveBC homepage to help travellers make an informed decision about using the detour route.
The BC Wildfire Service will provide an update on fire conditions Wednesday afternoon.
