BC Hydro says work will soon begin on trail improvements within the Puntledge River Recreation Area - along the west side of the Puntledge River from the Comox Dam picnic area to the Diversion Dam, south of Barber’s Hole.

Spokesperson Karla Louwers says work will include resurfacing trails and replacing aging bridges, culverts, and boardwalks, extending the life of the trails and making them safer.

Louwers says crews will do their best to keep as many trails open as possible during construction and maintain trail continuity. However, to ensure public and crew safety some sections will be temporarily closed in stages while work is underway.

The work is scheduled in the drier months to minimize further trail degradation from construction equipment.

Crews plan to mobilize to the site March 16.

The Comox Dam picnic site and parking area on the north side of the dam will be used as a laydown area through May 31, restricting parking at that location.

This is the final year of the two-year trail improvement project. All work is expected to be completed on or before October 31.

Trail users are reminded to be cautious, remain alert to construction activities and obey all signage and barriers in place.