Details on the commuter pass system for the Kicking Horse Canyon Project highway closures have been announced, with brief and limited openings to allow escorted passage through the construction zone.
School buses, local commuters, selected deliveries and exceptional, urgent trips, such as emergency vehicle passage, will be permitted at the provincial government’s discretion.
Those who are interested in passing through the canyon during the closures can apply for a pass to do so, but supply will be limited due to the limited capacity for vehicles to pass through the canyon during this time. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s (MOTI) website, fewer than 1 in 10 vehicles can be accomodated.
To qualify for an annual season commuter pass, an applicant must be required to travel through the Canyon from Field to Golden or from Golden to Field regularly to go to work, according to MOTI.
Vehicles displaying a valid commuter pass and selected, pre-arranged local deliveries will be escorted by a pilot vehicle through the construction zone according to the following daily schedule.
READ MORE: Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 closures announced
READ MORE: Additional closures in Kicking Horse Canyon explained
Morning commute eastbound will have a 7 a.m. departure from the western extent of the project at Upper Donald Road in Golden, with westbound commuters departing at 7:15 a.m. from the eastern extent of the project at Yoho Bridge.
The eastbound afternoon commute will have a 4:30 p.m. departure and 4:45 p.m. departure for the westbound afternoon commute.
The applications for commuter passes are available online at the Kicking Horse Canyon Project website, with MOTI asking that only people who are local and have regular and essential travel apply.
A pool of passes will be made specifically available for residents of Field, with more details expected by the end of the month.
There will also be a limited number of day passes for urgent local trips that do not qualify for commuter passes, which can be arrange the day prior to the travel. These passes will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis, with details being made available on April 7.
Full details can be viewed on the Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 official website.
