The Malahat is closed in both directions due to a rockslide. (Photo courtesy of BC Transportation)

The Malahat is closed in both directions due to a rockslide. (Photo courtesy of BC Transportation)

Rock slide closes Malahat in both directions Monday morning

Crews are currently on scene assessing environmental impact

  • Sep. 10, 2018 12:00 a.m.

A rock slide on the Malahat just north of Goldstream Park Monday morning closed Highway 1 at Tunnel Hill in both directionsfor several hours.

Photos from the Ministry of Transportation showed at least one large rock had fallen onto the busy highway, breaking a chunkoff of a concrete barrier at around 8 a.m.

Geotechnical engineers were called out to the scene to assess the environmental impact, and make sure no other debris wasready to fall.

Shortly after 11 a.m. northbound traffic began moving again, and the road was reopened to southbound traffic shortly thereafter.

No detours were available through this stretch of the only main road between Victoria and the rest of the Island. Some motorists travelling southbound had opted to take the ferry from Mill Bay to Brentwood Bay.

BC Ferries announced late Monday morning that all sailings departing Mill Bay and Brentwood Bay had already been filled.

During the road closure, they had suggested travelling via Crofton to Vesuvius and Fulford Harbour to Swartz Bay.

More to come.


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kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com

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