Work will begin next month to upgrade Highway 1 from Leigh Road to the West Shore Parkway.

This project will improve safety and reduce travel times for the many people who rely on this section of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Highway 1 will be widened from three lanes to four lanes for two kilometres, beginning at Leigh Road. The additional lane will continue through the West Shore Parkway intersection, with the northbound merge relocated to the Goldstream Park side of the signal. This will add capacity to the highway at this intersection and reduce northbound traffic congestion that is common during peak periods.

To improve safety, 1.2 kilometres of concrete median barrier will be added to separate opposing lanes of traffic.

Windley Contracting of Nanaimo has been awarded a $9.7-million contract for the work. Construction will begin in late September, with completion expected in summer 2021. Once the construction schedule is finalized, the ministry will advise motorists how this work might affect traffic flow.

Funding for the Highway 1 Leigh Road to West Shore Parkway project is cost-shared between the Government of Canada and the Province. The Government of Canada is providing up to $4.75 million through the New Building Canada Fund, while the Government of British Columbia is funding the remainder.

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The project was announced in April 2019. The original announcement is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TRAN0057-000748