Work has begun on the installation of new roadside safety barriers on two Vancouver Island highways making these stretches of highway safer for travellers, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone announced today.

“Soon, those driving along certain stretches of Highway 4 and Highway 1 on Vancouver Island will have wider roads and better barriers,” said Stone. “Drivers can expect a safer commute once these enhancements have been made, particularly the winding section east of Cathedral Grove that borders Cameron Lake.”

The $400,000 project will widen the shoulders on both Highway 1 and Highway 4 to accommodate the new roadside safety barriers. Drivers will see over 900 metres east of Cathedral Grove between Qualicum Beach and Port Alberni widened and roadside barriers installed, while over 400 metres of barriers will be installed along Highway 1 south of Nanaimo near Thatcher Creek.

B.C. on the Move, the Province’s new 10-year transportation plan, has identified improving highway capacity and reliability as a priority project, and is committed to delivering key highway safety improvements on Vancouver Island highways.

The contract has been awarded to Hub City from Nanaimo, and is scheduled to wrap up at the end of October.

Learn more:

Find out more about B.C. on the Move at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: http://www.tranbc.ca