Crews along Hwy. 4 east of Tofino/Ucluelet opened the only road connecting the communities to the rest of Vancouver Island for a brief period on Friday, Jan. 24. Work continues to stabalize the road. (Ministry of Transportation)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

HIGHWAY 4

Temporary bridge installation hoped to stabilize Hwy. 4 corridor to Tofino, Ucluelet

Jan 24, 2020 | 12:12 PM

PORT ALBERNI — Crews continue to work around the clock in efforts to permanently re-open a hazardous stretch of road connecting Tofino and Ucluelet with the rest of Vancouver Island.

Following a temporary re-opening on Friday, Jan. 24, crews have closed the highway overnight ahead of another brief travel period between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25.

“Vehicles will be screened at the Tofino/Ucluelet junction and at Sproat Lake and larger vehicles will wide be turned around,” the Ministry said in a release. “Heavy loads, commercial trucks and vehicles with campers or towing trailers will not be let through.”

The Ministry of Transportation said in a release Friday evening, they will close Hwy. 4 Saturday afternoon to begin the installation of a small, temporary bridge to reconnect the road around the worksite.

“A specialized bridge crew will be working day and night to complete the install. Work will be challenging as the bridge is being placed in a narrow space between the rock bluff and Kennedy Lake,” the Ministry said.

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It is hoped the road will re-open as single-alternating traffic to all vehicles via the bridge in the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 26. Travellers are encouraged to check DriveBC for updates.

Planned blasting overnight on Thursday, Jan. 23 caused large debris to knock out a portion of the road, severing travel in both directions.

Residents in Tofino and Ucluelet continue to ration supplies with area gas stations running low and several stores completely out of fresh produce.

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