Highway 4 detour reopens, government now piloting truck convoys

Crews walk along Highway 4 near Cameron Lake on Thursday June 8th, 2023. (B.C. Transportation Ministry Image)

By Cole Schisler

Posted June 10, 2023 3:55 pm.

Last Updated June 10, 2023 3:56 pm.

Highway 4 on Vancouver Island remains closed as crews continue to battle the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. But the detour along a narrow logging road has reopened after it was closed Friday.

The detour was temporarily closed as crews pulled a truck from Francis Lake. The Ministry of Transportation says starting Sunday, it will run four piloted convoys specifically for commercial vehicles every day until further notice.

The piloted departure times are as follows:

  • Daily at 5 a.m. leaving Lake Cowichan
  • Daily at 10 a.m. leaving Port Alberni
  • Daily at 3 p.m. leaving Lake Cowichan
  • Daily at 8 p.m. leaving Port Alberni

“Commercial vehicles will also be permitted to travel outside of these windows, however, there will be no pilot vehicles at those times,” the ministry says in a statement.

“Other drivers will be placed behind the convoys because the priority is the movement of essential supplies, such as fuel and food.”

Checkpoints are in place along the detour route to provide information for travellers.

The province reminds drivers that the route is open for essential travel only.

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