Transportation and Transit
The final portion of work that will complete the government of B.C.'s $8-million commitment for new median barrier and other safety improvements on the Malahat is now underway.
A $5.4-million contract has been awarded to Jacob Bros. Construction Ltd. of Surrey.
The contract includes installation of concrete median barriers at four locations totalling 2.6 kilometres, bringing the total of new median barrier installed to 5.4 kilometres. The contract also includes upgrades to three intersections, improved lighting, signage and road markings. Work is expected to be completed in late June.
These improvements were given priority after considering the advice of ministry and consulting engineers. The improvements were also reflected in the Malahat Corridor Safety Review, with direct input from key stakeholders, including first responders, safety advocates and local residents.
During construction, motorists are advised to check DriveBC for potential delays. When possible, barrier placement will occur at night to limit delays. Blasting is required to widen sections of the highway. This will result in short closures. Otherwise, the highway will be open to single-lane traffic in both directions during peak periods.
When this work has been completed, over 40 per cent of the Malahat corridor will be separated with median barriers.
Quotes:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -
"People travelling the Malahat will benefit from additional median barriers, improved lighting, and more turning lanes. We know how important this work is to all those who drive the Malahat, and I thank motorists in advance for their patience as we complete this safety upgrade."
Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong -
"The Malahat is a vital transportation link for island residents and visitors alike. It connects families, supports tourism and serves business and industry. The government is living up to its commitment by making a significant investment in safety improvements such as median barriers and other upgrades. All motorists will be able to travel the Malahat with an improved level of safety."
Learn More:
For a map of the improvements to the Malahat, visit: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/malahat/docs/Malahat_Safety_Improvement_Projects_MAP.pdf
Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and infrastructure
250 356-8241
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
BACKGROUNDER
For Immediate Release
2013TRAN0021-000437
March 7, 2013 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Malahat safety upgrades
Work included in the contract:
Finlayson Arm Road
* Install an additional 100 metres of median barrier north of Finlayson Arm Road.
* Install a flashing beacon and lighting at the Finlayson Arm Road intersection.
* Construct a northbound acceleration lane.
* Install lighting at the Goldstream Marina access road.
Tunnel Hill to Aspen Road
* Install an additional 500 metres of median barrier at the south end of the existing median barrier, including the installation of a southbound to northbound U-turn route at this location.
* Widen the highway to install 800 metres of median barrier at the north end of the existing median barrier, including a northbound to southbound U-turn route near Aspen Road.
* Lighting will be installed at the Tunnel Hill U-turn route and the Aspen Road U-turn route and intersection.
Malahat Village
* Construct new acceleration and deceleration lanes and enhance signage.
* This work includes minor highway realignment to support these improvements.
South of Shawnigan Lake Road
* Widen the highway and install 1.2 kilometres of median barrier. Highway widening will require blasting and retaining wall construction.
* Improve intersection lighting and increase the length of the northbound left turn lane.
Shawnigan Lake Road
* Construction of a southbound acceleration lane.
* Pavement marking and delineation will be addressed at these locations as necessary.
Including the current project, $18 million has been dedicated to Malahat highway improvements since 2001. On average, over 22,300 vehicles travel the Malahat daily.
Contact:
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and infrastructure
250 356-8241
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
