A new connection between Highway 19 and north Courtenay will open to traffic today, so people can move more efficiently and safely through this part of the Comox Valley to access key destinations such as the new hospital, the airport and the BC Ferries terminal.

“This new route is straighter, wider, and provides a safe link to and from Highway 19 for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena at an official event to open the new route. “It also means easier access for horseback riders and farmers driving large pieces of machinery within the local area.”

The new section of road is 700 metres long and connects Headquarters Road and Piercy Road, north of Dove Creek Road, making a continuous route between Vanier Drive and Condensory Road, with no stop signs or signal lights. A multi-use trail was built alongside the river, and road shoulders were also widened and paved between the new bridge and Condensory Road. 

The new bridge is two lanes wide, was built higher than the estimated 200-year flood level, and 11 large flood-relief culverts were installed under the road to mitigate any increase in flood water levels and to ensure this route remains open during flood events. It replaces the one-lane crossing of the Tsolum River, currently located on Dove Creek Road. 

“All travellers in the Comox Valley, particularly those who live or work in north Courtenay, will benefit from this new road that is a safer and more direct connection within the community,” said Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard.

“The new connector provides significant benefits to residents of the Comox Valley, including a time-saving connection to our new hospital and other key destinations in the region,” said Comox Valley Regional District board chair Bruce Jolliffe. “We are also very pleased with how our partnership allowed for a multi-purpose trail along the river with pedestrian and equestrian access. The new bridge also contributes to our strategic vision of improving the flood plain and preserving habitat.”

The road will open to the public with the speed limit remaining at 60 km/h. Travellers are advised to obey traffic control personnel, be aware of traffic pattern changes and watch for signs.

Work will continue through to the end of the year as crews remove the signal and old bridge on Dove Creek Road, close off the road on each side of the Tsolum River, and restore the river banks and old roadway to their natural states. Construction of this $15-million project began in 2016.