The Malahat is reopening to essential travelers Tuesday morning following an assessment of damage caused by MondayB次元官网网址檚 flooding.
Highway contractor Emcon Services Inc. says crews will be allowing single-lane alternating traffic through the area by 9:30 a.m. after a geotechnical assessment determined it is safe. Drive BC says essential travelers will be allowed through in 30 minute intervals and major delays are expected.
The stretch of highway between Finlayson Arm Road and Wellswood Road has been closed on and off since approximately 9 a.m. Monday morning when flooding swamped the road. Photos and videos from drivers who made it through before the initial closure showed water at times up to their vehicle bumpers.
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The highway was briefly reopened after crews managed to release some water off the road, but it was quickly closed again when they realized there could be further risk to drivers.
Shortly before 2 p.m. Monday, Emcon said it was working to remove the centre median to allow for water in the southbound lane to drain. By 5 p.m. though, it reported that a geotechnical assessment couldnB次元官网网址檛 confirm road stability at the time due to the large volumes of water remaining on the highway.
Crews were able to complete the assessment Tuesday morning though, and the highway has been deemed safe for travel.
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via - / is open for 30 minute intervals to single lane alternating traffic at 9:30 AM for essential travel only. Watch for traffic control. Expect major delays.
B次元官网网址� BC Transportation (@TranBC)
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