Hwy. 4 at Cameron Lake will re-open Thursday evening, according to MLA Josie Osborne who praised crews for their work over the last three months. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

return to normal

Hwy. 4 to reopen Thursday evening after repeated closures

Aug 31, 2023 | 10:09 AM

NANAIMO — For the first time since early June, two-way traffic is set to flow on Hwy. 4 between Port Alberni and Oceanside.

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, posted to social media on Thursday, Aug. 31 the main link between the two areas would fully re-open ahead of the long weekend as work has been completed along a nearly two-kilometre stretch at Cameron Lake.

“It’s been a very challenging summer for everyone, and so many people have worked tirelessly to fight the wildfire that started this all, to establish a detour and help keep supply chains and essential travel open, and to undertake complex and dangerous recovery work on the Cameron Bluffs so our key transportation corridor can be safely used.”

A release from the province Thursday afternoon confirmed both lanes of the highway will be open at 5 p.m. on Aug. 31.

Hwy. 4 will once again be open for all passenger and commercial vehicles. Signage around the detour route will be taken down, however, the route remains open.

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The Cameron Bluffs wildfire sent rock and other debris onto the roadway in early June, prompting a full closure for two weeks and a four-hour detour being established through Lake Cowichan.

In total, 250 dangerous trees and 1,000 tonnes of rock debris were removed over the summer.

Single-lane alternating traffic had been in place for most of the summer, occasionally closing for more invasive work or weather events such as strong wind.

It’s meant there has not been a regular traffic link for most Vancouver Island residents to Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet during the peak travel and tourist season.

Osborne added in her post she’s aware of concerns from residents about the fall weather and how it will affect the road, saying more information will come from the ministry of transportation soon.

“Huge thanks to local government and First Nations leaders, staffs, and business and tourism organizations for their regular participation in roundtables with our office and the Ministry, for their work to maintain critical supply chains, serve visitors and residents with strong communication, and for consistent feedback.”

Latest updates on the travel corridor are available through the DriveBC website.

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