Highway 4 on Vancouver Island reopens in both directions

Just in time for the Labour Day long weekend, Highway 4 on Vancouver Island has two full lanes open for the first time in nearly three months.

The B.C. government says the major highway opened a single lane in either direction Thursday to all passenger and commercial vehicles after crews “successfully stabilized the area.”

The roadway, which connects eastern and western Vancouver Island, first closed on June 6 due to the Cameron Lake Bluffs wildfire. The fire came close to the highway, loosening rock debris on the bluffs above.

Since late June, the province says crews have removed 250 dangerous trees and 1,000 tonnes of debris. Other work included the placement of 1.4 kilometres of catchment fencing, bolting rocks, the installation of a weather station, along with paving and line marking.

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While that work was going on, the highway was operating with single-lane alternating traffic.

“Highway 4 fully reopening is welcome news for our Island. The wildfire devastation and subsequent safety repairs on this vital corridor has been disruptive for everyone in the region,” said infrastructure minister Rob Fleming.

“We thank the crews who worked tirelessly to make reopening possible, and the businesses, local governments and First Nations who waited patiently while we kept people and goods moving to and from communities on the west coast of the Island. We know how important it is for Highway 4 to be fully open in both directions to all travellers and are really pleased that will happen in advance of the busy Labour Day long weekend.”

During the closure, communities like Tofino and Port Alberni expressed concern over lost tourism opportunities during the summer months.

“It’s been a challenging season for people and businesses in the Alberni Valley and on the west coast, so it’s very welcome news that we can travel safely to visit family, make medical appointments and commute to and from work,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim.

“We’re also excited to welcome visitors for late summer and fall – one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Alberni Valley and the west coast.”