Overnight delays are bound for the Malahat.
Those travelling the Trans-Canada Highway through Goldstream Provincial Park can expect a longer-than-usual commute starting Monday, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Drivers may experience up to 20-minute delays on Dec. 5, 6 and 7, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., as crews “conduct geotechnical investigations for future planning purposes,” the ministry said in a release.
Single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect, and the province asks commuters to prepare for winter conditions while also observing traffic personnel and signs.
Upcoming delays follow a busy few days for roadside crews after tow truck operators had to remove vehicles left behind by drivers unable to navigate the snow-covered Malahat route Tuesday.
Andrew Gaetz, quality assurance and operations manager at Emcon Services Inc., told CHEK News the following day that a “majority” of vehicles removed did not have the proper winter tires.
“It’s a provincial law to have winter tires,” Gaetz said.
Winter tires or all-season mud and snow tires with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres are required for all drivers on the Malahat from Oct. 1 to March 31, and those not meeting the requirement face a $121 fine if caught.
Environment Canada is predicting as much as 15 centimetres of snow to fall on the popular route again Friday, easing Saturday. A snowfall warning is now in effect for east and inland regions of Vancouver Island.
⚠️#BCHwy1 / #Malahat – Travel advisory in effect between #Victoria and #MillBay for winter driving conditions. Motorists are advised to avoid non essential travel. If travelling drive to conditions, watch for crews and expect delays due to congestion.
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) December 2, 2022
CHEK News
