Vancouver Island’s Highway 4 partially reopens
After a tumultuous start, Highway 4 on Vancouver Island has once again partially reopened.
The highway was initially open Friday, but within hours was shut down due to high winds and safety concerns.
In a tweet, Drive BC says it has since reopened to single-lane alternating traffic.
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OPEN – #BCHwy4 is now open in the Cameron Lake area following a closure due to high winds.
Single lane alternating traffic is in effect along the Cameron Lake Bluffs. Watch for traffic control and expect delays.#VanIsle #PortAlberni #Tofino #Ucluelet
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 24, 2023
The Cameron Bluffs Fire had the mainline highway cut off for over two weeks.
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Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions told CityNews Friday afternoon she and the town were “thrilled” the highway was reopening.
The closure of the highway has meant communities, including Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni, have been largely cut off from the rest of the island. A detour by way of a forest service road and some privately owned industrial roads have been available, though there have been many delays.
The province says the detour will remain available until Highway 4 fully reopens, which is expected to happen next month.
With files from Emily Marsten and Hana Mae Nassar
