Highway 4 at Kennedy Hill is now open to single-lane alternating traffic, allowing commercial vehicles, RVs and other larger vehicles to travel through the corridor.

Specialized bridge crews worked throughout the day to install a pre-fabricated 20-metre single-lane bridge. Installation of the bridge was quicker than expected because bedrock was deeper than expected. This allowed for the bridge to be inset into the road grade, rather than above it, which would have required a substantial amount of approach ramp work. Construction time was also reduced by bringing in additional bridge crews and equipment.  

All vehicles are now able to safely travel the corridor, which remains under single lane alternating traffic conditions through the project site. Drivers should expect delays through the night and morning.

The regular project closure schedule will resume Sunday night to allow construction to continue on the project. Drivers are encouraged to check DriveBC for the Kennedy Hill project closure schedule, along with current road conditions throughout the province.

The project team is evaluating how construction will progress around the new bridge.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure thanks motorists and residents on both sides of the closure for their patience. The ministry also recognizes the crews who worked around the clock to open the highway as quickly as possible.

The damage to Highway 4 was caused by an unexpectedly large volume of rock falling on rain-saturated ground during a scheduled blast early on Thursday, Jan. 23, as part of the Highway 4 - Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement project. The highway was closed to traffic at the time of the blast.

When completed later this year, the Highway 4 - Kennedy Hill Safety Improvement Project will create a safer and more reliable connection between Port Alberni and the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Learn More:

General project information and traffic schedules are available here: www.gov.bc.ca/highway4kennedyhill

Visit the project page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eac.bc.ca.kennedy.hill/

Follow @DriveBC and #BCHwy4 on Twitter and visit: www.drivebc.ca