“We’ve worked with the city to modify the lights there a little bit so more traffic can move, but appreciate it’s going to be frustrating for people, especially moving in the afternoon, trying to go westbound,” said Stephen Watson, a spokesperson for BC Hydro, addressing the ongoing road closures in the region.
The closures are primarily due to construction projects and severe weather conditions. In Victoria, westbound traffic along Gorge Road East will be closed until April 10 as part of the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project, which involves replacing a transmission cable that was installed in 1980. This project spans a length of 2.3 km and is crucial for upgrading the electrical infrastructure.
Additionally, northbound traffic on Blanshard Street will be closed from Fisgard Street to Bay Street starting Saturday for milling and paving work, expected to last until March 24. This work is essential to maintain the road’s integrity and improve safety for all users.
In another significant development, eastbound traffic on the Point Ellice Bridge is anticipated to remain closed until June, further complicating travel in the area. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should expect increased wait times as these closures take effect.
In the northern part of the province, Highway 144 from Chelmsford to Timmins is closed due to a significant storm, while Highway 11 is closed from North Bay to Hearst and from Hearst to Longlac in the eastbound lanes. These closures are a result of adverse weather conditions that have made travel hazardous.
In Metro Vancouver, Cambie Street will be completely closed to all vehicle traffic from March 16 to March 18, which is expected to cause disruptions for local commuters. Furthermore, partial lane closures will occur along Dewdney Trunk Road between Mariner Way and Norman Avenue for approximately two weeks starting March 16.
What observers say
Local authorities are urging residents to plan their routes accordingly and allow extra time for travel. The Hereward Road, Pine Street, Dominion Road, and Devonshire Road intersection will also be closed for eight weeks starting March 23, adding to the congestion in the area. As roadwork continues, officials are working to minimize the impact on traffic flow.
As these projects progress, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the status of the closures and any changes to expected timelines. The ongoing efforts aim to enhance infrastructure and safety for all road users in the region.
