Highway 4 closure

HIGHWAY 4 UPDATE

On June 6, 2023 Highway 4 closed due to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire. The highway has since reopened but travel is restricted while crews carry out essential rock scaling and critical work to ensure the long-term safety of the corridor. As crews work to restore full access to the highways, please check for travel advisories, road conditions, highway openings and detour route information:

Drivers are reminded to obey all signage and traffic-control personnel.

ALTERNATE ROUTE

The Ministry of Transportation has provided an alternate until Highway 4 is fully opened. The detour route between Port Alberni and Lake Cowichan via Bamfield uses forest-service and privately owned industrial roads. The gravel detour route has narrow sections, sharp curves, single-lane bridges and challenging terrain. The detour route will remain open until the highway is restored to regular capacity. Obey all signage and it is recommended that drivers fuel up, bring extra supplies, food and water. Drivers are encouraged to plan trips during daylight hours and to drive with caution and patience.

Conditions will be dusty – please turn headlights on when visibility is limited by dust
Detour will take about 4 hours with potentially slow moving traffic, no passing, single-lane bridges
Expect rough gravel patches
There is no cell phone network coverage
Limited amenities for fuel, food, washrooms and emergency services

Regular passenger vehicles, such as cars, vans and commercial vehicles weighing less than 63,500 kilograms, can travel through the detour corridor. No over-height or over-weight vehicles will be permitted. For more information, visit:

Transportation BC Travel Advisory