VANCOUVER ISLAND — The Province of B.C. is taking advantage of reduced traffic during the COVID-19 crisis to resurface roads on Vancouver Island.
Officials announced that portions of three Vancouver Island highways will be resurfaced this spring and summer as part of an $8.5-million project to improve road conditions for drivers.
Work is underway to resurface a 40-kilometre section of Highway 19 between Parksville and Bowser. Officials noted that, due to light traffic, work is able to happen during the day and overnight with minimal impact on essential travel. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic through the work zone.
Near Victoria, eight kilometres of Highway 1 will be resurfaced between the new McKenzie Interchange and Leigh Road. Crews will also resurface all on- and off-ramps in the work zone. Resurfacing work will be done overnight to minimize delays for drivers.
Approximately 2.5 kilometres of Highway 14 near the Westshore Parkway will also be resurfaced. Drivers can expect lane closures during the work. Resurfacing sections of Highway 14 and Highway 1 is expected to begin in spring 2020.
The work contract has been awarded to Peters Brothers Construction Ltd. of Penticton.
Officials noted the ministry is working closely with the contractor and WorkSafeBC to ensure health and safety is maintained for all workers onsite.
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has directed construction employers to take precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees. This includes ensuring workers maintain two metres of physical distance from each other while working and on breaks. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms will be directed to self-isolate at home for at least 10 days.
While highways and roads remain open, the PHO recommends people stay close to home and avoid any non-essential travel.
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