Vancouver Island’s Highway 4 reopens after high winds batter the area

The B.C. government says Vancouver Island’s Highway 4 has reopened after high winds increased the risk of rockfall around Cameron Lake.

In a tweet, DriveBC says “an unexpected issue on-site” was keeping the highway from reopening. It was first closed Tuesday, with the reopening announced just after 12 p.m. Wednesday.

DriveBC says the highway is now open to single-lane alternating traffic, and is warning drivers of delays as congestion moves through the area.

✅ OPEN #BCHwy4 – Highway is OPEN to single lane alternating traffic at Cameron Lake.
Expect delays as congestion clears.
No scheduled closures for today but resume tomorrow at 9AM with additional information here: https://t.co/QXJT4O6ipp#Tofino #Uclulet #PortAlberni #VanIsle

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 26, 2023

⛔CLOSED #BCHwy4 – The highway will remain closed overnight at Cameron Lake due to an unexpected issue on-site. Next update approximately 5:00AM Wednesday July 26th. #Tofino #Uclulet #PortAlberni #VanIslehttps://t.co/f7NFXFjBay

ℹ️ Detour and other info: https://t.co/thQcDxv9qX pic.twitter.com/CcsV44bF3W

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 26, 2023

According to a release, the wind was gusting “in excess of 50 km/h” along the mainline route — which saw another temporary closure recently due to a tree falling down to the pavement.

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The highway is routinely closed between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and will typically open to single-lane alternating traffic outside of those times as crews make way on rock-scaling work on the Cameron Bluffs cliffside.

The provincial government cites ensuring the safety of the public, workers, and on-site equipment as reasons for Tuesday’s initial closure.

For now, DriveBC reminds travellers that the detour route remains open for usage — taking drivers through gravel roads from Lake Cowichan, through Bamfield, and into Port Alberni.

Crews work on the side of Highway 4 near Port Alberni (B.C. Transportation Ministry Image)

While the province doesn’t guarantee an overnight closure around Cameron Lake, it says the route will reopen only once wind speeds come back down.

The highway is the main route connecting the communities of Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni to the rest of Vancouver Island. It was first closed due to the Cameron Bluffs Fire on June 6.