June 20, 2023, Vancouver Island, British Columbia – The British Columbia government has announced that it is on track to partially reopen Highway 4, a vital route connecting eastern and western Vancouver Island, following its closure due to a devastating wildfire. The reopening is expected to take place by the weekend, with limited single-lane alternating traffic set to resume.
Highlights:
- Highway 4 to Partially Reopen: The British Columbia government aims to reopen Highway 4, connecting eastern and western Vancouver Island, by June 24 or 25, after its closure due to a wildfire.
- Wildfire Causes Closure: On June 6, a wildfire caused debris to fall onto Highway 4 east of Port Alberni, cutting off access to the city, Tofino, and Ucluelet from the rest of the province.
- Crews Clearing Debris: Dedicated crews have been diligently working to clear fallen trees and debris from the affected stretch of the highway, ensuring a safe reopening.
- Safety Measures Installed: Temporary safety measures are being installed along Highway 4 to ensure the road can reopen securely and minimize risks.
- Limited Single-Lane Traffic: Initially, the reopened highway will allow limited single-lane alternating traffic, regulating and controlling the flow of vehicles.
- Helijet Offers Alternative: Helijet, a helicopter company, has introduced special daily flights between Nanaimo and Port Alberni, providing an alternative transportation option during the highway closure.
- Convenient Flight Schedule: Flights depart Nanaimo at 9:30 a.m., reaching Port Alberni in around 20 minutes. The return flight leaves Port Alberni at 10:30 a.m. and arrives in Nanaimo at 10:50 a.m.
- Special Fare: Passengers can book these helicopter flights for a one-way fare of $175 each, facilitating travel between Nanaimo and Port Alberni.
- Restoring Access and Connectivity: The reopening of Highway 4 and the availability of helicopter flights will greatly contribute to restoring transportation access for residents and visitors, reconnecting affected areas and supporting their recovery.
In-Depth Report
Highway 4, east of Port Alberni, was forced to shut down on June 6 when a raging wildfire sent debris tumbling onto the roadway, severing the crucial link between the city of Port Alberni and the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet from the rest of the province. This closure disrupted transportation access and had a significant impact on residents, local businesses, and tourists.
In a statement released by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Monday, it was announced that crews have made substantial progress in clearing the affected stretch of the highway. Fallen trees and debris from the hillside above have been diligently removed, and temporary safety measures are being installed to ensure the highway’s reopening is safe and secure.
“We are pleased to report that the cleanup efforts on Highway 4 are nearing completion. Our crews have been working tirelessly to clear the debris and make the necessary repairs. We anticipate reopening the highway to limited single-lane alternating traffic by June 24 or 25,” stated the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The partial reopening of Highway 4 will provide a much-needed relief to the isolated communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, as well as Port Alberni. While traffic flow will initially be regulated and controlled through single-lane alternating traffic, this step will reinstate an essential transportation lifeline for residents and facilitate the return of visitors to the affected areas.
In the midst of the highway closure, Helijet, a leading helicopter company, has stepped up to provide alternative transportation options. Since Monday, the company has been offering daily flights between Nanaimo and Port Alberni. The flights, which take approximately 20 minutes, depart from Nanaimo at 9:30 a.m., with the return flight departing Port Alberni at 10:30 a.m.
Passengers who opt for the helicopter service will pay a one-way fare of $175 each. These flights have served as a temporary solution for those in urgent need of travel and have alleviated some of the challenges posed by the highway closure.
The imminent reopening of Highway 4 and the availability of helicopter flights between Nanaimo and Port Alberni represent significant progress towards restoring normalcy to the affected areas. The British Columbia government, alongside dedicated crews and transportation services, continues to work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities impacted by the wildfire and subsequent road closure.
As the recovery efforts continue, residents, businesses, and tourists eagerly await the day when uninterrupted traffic flow is restored, fostering the revival of local economies and the reconnection of Vancouver Island’s eastern and western regions.
