Commuters are rejoicing over a break in construction along Hwy. 4 that will make getting home for the holidays much less frustrating for West Coasters.
Residents and visitors have faced scheduled daily and nightly closures since June as part of the provincial and federal government’s $38 million Kennedy Hill Improvement Project that is straightening out a windy 1.1 kilometre stretch of the highway.
READ MORE: Ministry hosts meetings in Tofino and Ucluelet to discuss Hwy. 4 closures
A Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson told the Westerly on Friday that construction crews will take a break over the holidays and there are no scheduled closures until Jan. 3.
“This break ensures minimal impact to people due to construction during the holiday season, when there is an increase in traffic and potential for more unpredictable weather,” the spokesperson said. “The road has been restored to two way traffic flow through the construction zone, and no stoppages or minor delays are anticipated through the break.”
READ MORE: VIDEO: Highway closures hit travellers heading in and out of Tofino and Ucluelet
Drivers are reminded that, while the road will remain open in both directions, they must use caution and the reduced construction speed-zone will remain in effect. The spokesperson said the project is on schedule to be completed by summer 2020 and on budget at $38 million.
“When work resumes in January, blasting will continue through the summer and will focus more on the south half of the hill,” the spokesperson said.
READ MORE: UPDATE: Construction on Hwy. 4 halted after tree crashes into traffic
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
