Second highway to Port Alberni no longer being explored
NANAIMO — The BC Government is pulling the pin on the idea of a second highway to Port Alberni, calling it not financially feasible.
The Ministry of Transportation study concludes that the benefits of safety improvements to the existing highway outweigh that of a connector on Highway 19 at Horne Lake, which the Ministry estimates would cost $92-million.
“A second route out of Port Alberni is something that the community has been looking for, for decades, possibly generations,” said Port Alberni mayor Mike Ruttan. “While I have to say I’m disappointed that the decision was made, I’m not completely surprised…the fact that they’re putting money into safety upgrades is an important acknowledgment.”
$24-million worth of safety improvements to the 40 kilometre stretch of highway between Highway 19 and Port Alberni are planned, according to the Ministry of Transportation.