Work Underway To Reopen Bamfield Main Road By End Of October

The Province says work continues on reopening Bamfield Main Road after wildfire damaged a large section this summer.

It's hoped the road will be open by the end of October.

Crews are working on the 1.5-kilometre section between kilometre 8 and 9.5, where unstable slopes, dangerous trees and debris flow risks remain.

Work includes clearing debris, removing unsafe trees and stabilizing slopes to protect crews and the travelling public.

The Province says the terrain is unpredictable, similar to conditions after the Cameron Bluffs wildfire on Highway 4.

A geotechnical assessment has been completed to identify hazard risks.

Based on these findings, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit is developing an operating guideline, similar to the approach at Cameron Lake, that will establish rain and wind thresholds for increased patrols and potential pre-emptive closures.

Assessments of dangerous trees are ongoing, and the ministry is coordinating tree falling and related utility work.

Public access to the closed section remains restricted. Concrete barriers are in place, and electronic signs alert drivers ahead of the closure points:

• north end: Bamfield Main at the Cell Spot (kilometre 7); and
• south end: Bamfield Main at Museum Forest Service Road (kilometre 10).

For now, drivers need to keep the Youbou detour.

Once reopened, Bamfield Main Road will remain subject to temporary closures during periods of heavy rain or strong winds.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.