Drivers should not feel spooked if their Halloween commute through the McKenzie interchange feels a little different.

Beginning on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, southbound highway traffic entering the intersection will be shifted to new temporary Admirals Road on- and off-ramps.

The traffic shift marks a major milestone for the McKenzie interchange project, designed to improve the “Colwood Crawl” and ease South Island traffic congestion.

These ramps will allow crews to lower Highway 1 and build the eventual overpass across the highway connecting McKenzie Avenue and Admirals Road.

This new southbound configuration, along with the existing northbound traffic pattern, will be in place until the interchange opens to free-flowing traffic by late summer 2019. The entire interchange project is anticipated to cut roughly 20 minutes off peak commute times and is on schedule to wrap up by the end of 2019.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure expects some temporary initial delays as drivers adjust to the new lanes and signal locations. Staff will be on site during busy commute hours to monitor traffic flow and signal timing, and will make any necessary adjustments. 

The ministry asks drivers to follow signs, watch for workers and obey the construction speed limit of 60 km/h.

Progress continues to be made on the remainder of the project, including the Galloping Goose Trail and McKenzie Avenue. Sound walls are being installed throughout the project site to help minimize construction noise for local residents and schools. 

A map of the traffic shift can be found here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/166/2018/10/6420_McKenzieInterchange_Map.pdf

Learn More:

For regular updates and traffic advisories, visit: www.drivebc.ca

For more details on the interchange project, visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/mckenzieinterchange/