The only paved road to the west Vancouver Island communities of Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet is once again fully closed Tuesday, this time due to strong winds, according to DriveBC.
In its latest update around 12:30 p.m., B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says Highway 4 is fully closed at Cameron Bluffs, between Koen Road and MacMillan Provincial Park, where winds are gusting in excess of 50 km/h.
Delays are expected for drivers, and the ministry says another update is planned for 8 p.m. as crews assess the road. It will be posted online here.
**TRAVEL ALERT – HWY 4 CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WINDS AT CAMERON LAKE** @TranBC says to expect it to be closed overnight due to an increased chance of falling rocks. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/k6Yp4Xrsep
— Dean Stoltz (@deanstoltzchek) July 26, 2023
The closure comes about a week after the same stretch of highway was closed on July 16, also amid strong winds and in the aftermath of a weeks-long closure due to a wildfire near Cameron Lake.
The province says strong winds prompt crews to lower protective wire mesh at the site, which is in place to catch potential falling debris caused by the recent fire.
SEE ALSO: Cameron Bluffs wildfire under control at 229 hectares
The highway is also closed in the Cameron Bluffs area every weekday from 9-11:30 a.m., and from 1:30-5 p.m. as crews perform rock scaling above the road.
“Rock-scaling crews have made good progress,” reads an update from TranBC.
“In order to fully restore this portion of Highway 4 as soon as possible, this work must be undertaken now to ensure ongoing safety for all, and needs to be complete before winds and rain pick up again in the fall,” the province says.
During these planned closures, westbound traffic will be able to pass through between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., while eastbound traffic can move from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
While the highway is open, single-lane-alternating traffic is in place near Cameron Bluffs, and the province says the road should fully reopen by mid-August.
A detour is also in place, taking commuters from Lake Cowichan, through Youbou to Port Alberni and vice versa, though the province notes this unpaved route takes about four hours with no cell coverage and limited amenities like food and fuel.
READ ALSO:
- Daytime closures return to Highway 4 for road work
- ‘It’s going to be really difficult’: Truckers, tourism operators worried about Highway 4 closures
⛔ REMINDER #BCHwy4 – Highway is CLOSED at Cameron Lake due to High Winds.
Assessment in progress, expect delays.
Next update approximately 4:30pm.
Detour information: https://t.co/7g2R3EBEug
ℹ️ Updates here: https://t.co/KL3tJ3jkwJ#Tofino #Uclulet #PortAlberni #VanIsle pic.twitter.com/GpLyai0yo5— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI) July 25, 2023
Ethan Morneau
