Crews are starting necessary repair work on a closed section of the Cowichan Valley Trail, a popular walking trail in Duncan.

Once completed, people will have the chance to use the trail again.

In February 2020, the trail was closed due to a major washout between the Holt Creek Trestle and 64.4 Mile Trestle, which caused unsafe conditions.

Repairs and modifications to the 64.4 Mile and 66 Mile trestle bridges will allow construction crews access to the washout site. Work will take place over the next several weeks with the anticipated reopening of the trail in mid-October 2020.

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure worker and public safety.

The section of trail between the Riverbottom Road access point and the washout site will be closed to the public to facilitate construction activities. Signage will be posted at major access points to alert trail users. There will be no detour available for the duration of the closure.

The ministry thanks people for their continued patience during the closure of this popular trail and will advise the public when it has reopened.