Island blasting schedule changes in effect along Highway 4 project

TOFINO, B.C. — Closure changes have begun for work on the Highway 4 Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project in B.C.

Crews for the Vancouver Island project will now begin weekday four-hour road closure windows on Highway 4 at Kennedy Hill from to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The province changed its timing of the closures after community and stakeholder feedback. Respondents stated the changes would be more convenient for the route’s regular users.

Onsite geotechnical investigations have also determined the safest times to blast are during daylight hours, which allow for safer, more efficient disposal of loose rock after blasts. Daytime blasting and scheduled road closures are expected to be required through spring 2021.

“The ministry thanks drivers and residents for their ongoing patience,” reads a release from the province. “Once complete, the Highway 4 Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project will create a safer, more reliable connection between Port Alberni and the west coast of Vancouver Island.”

The Pacific Rim Highway 4 is the only east-west corridor on Vancouver Island servicing the west coast communities of Ucluelet and Tofino as well as the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve at Long Beach.