Single-lane alternating traffic was flowing again Monday on Highway 4 near Cameron Lake after high winds led to a closure at 4 p.m. Sunday.
The wind meant that the protective mesh on the roadside slope, which prevents falling debris from hitting the road, had to be lowered.
One lane was opened to alternating traffic after a complete road closure near the lake due to a wildfire that caused trees and rocks to fall on the highway. It is now being intermittently closed to allow crews to do rock scaling, which involves removing loose rock above the highway.
The ministry said the rock-scaling work is crucial and must be done in good weather before fall, which tends to bring rain and wind.
Monday’s rock scaling was put off until 1:30 p.m., to allow traffic that lined up overnight to get through, but ended up being cancelled due to sustained wind in the afternoon that prevented scalers from being able to safely work on the rock, the ministry said.
Scaling work was not scheduled to begin until 9 a.m. Tuesday, when winds are expected to subside.
The highway remained open all day to single-lane alternating traffic.
The single lane is set to close from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, reopen from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and close again until 5 p.m.
Regularly scheduled closures are set for 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. daily, with an opening from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to allow lined-up vehicles through.
The Ministry of Transportation is aiming for a full opening by mid-August.
There are no closures overnight or on weekends.
“The ministry has done extensive consultation work with the local business community, local governments and First Nations communities in the region,” the ministry said in a statement. “The ministry’s priority is to ensure the supply chain for essential goods and services continues to reach communities.”
The detour route established between Lake Cowichan and Port Alberni remains open.
Visit drivebc.ca for current road conditions.
