The B.C. government is now accepting bids for permanent repair work on parts of the Malahat Highway that were damaged in last year’s severe floods.
The Malahat, the only major highway linking Greater Victoria with the rest of Vancouver Island, was compromised by a November flood that turned its lanes into a river and caused major road stability issues.
While temporary fixes have been installed on the arterial route, permanent repairs will include the restoration of about 50 metres of the northbound lane, just north of Finlayson Arm Road, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Damage to drainage and slope stability will also be repaired, and an 80-metre retaining wall will be replaced “to secure the slope against future extreme rain events.”
In a news release, the province says the Malahat repairs are the first of the government’s permanent repair projects following the record-breaking rain and flooding in November.
“All permanent repair projects will improve resilience to future extreme weather events, part of the province’s commitment to building back better to ensure B.C.’s infrastructure is better able to withstand the impacts of climate change,” said the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in a statement.
Construction on the highway will begin in spring and “all efforts will be made” to minimize disruptions to traffic in peak travel times, but it will include periods of single-lane alternating traffic as well as intermittent closures.
Drivers will be reminded to observe construction zone speed limits and follow traffic-control signs during construction.
According to the BC Bid website, bids will be accepted until April 22.
Jeff Lawrence
