People are invited to ask questions and provide feedback on proposed safety improvements to the 1.7-kilometre stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Goldstream park area, located near Finlayson Arm Road.

The Highway 1 Malahat corridor, specifically the Goldstream Provincial Park segment, links local communities and serves as a crucial route for the movement of goods and people in the region. Proposed improvements would contribute to a more reliable connection between Victoria and Duncan, while increasing safety for drivers and people visiting Goldstream park.

Proposed improvements include:

• widening and minor realignment along 1.7 kilometres of road to accommodate the installation of median barriers, wider paved shoulders, roadside barrier and improvements to the Finlayson Arm Road intersection; and
• elements to improve active transportation options and the safety and experience for Goldstream park visitors, such as enhancing and protecting an existing trail overlooking the river parallel to the highway, improved parking and trail network connections, a pedestrian bridge over the Goldstream River and a safe pedestrian highway crossing structure.

The project will take place within existing highway right-of-way. No park boundary adjustments are being proposed to Goldstream Provincial Park. The highway will remain one lane in each direction.

Due to COVID-19, engagement will take place online between Aug. 20 and Sept. 20, 2020. People can learn more about the proposed improvements and submit questions and feedback via an online questionnaire found on the project website here: www.gov.bc.ca/malahatsafetyimprovements

Public input received during the engagement period will be considered, while advancing and finalizing the design.

The Goldstream Median Barrier Widening project is part of the larger ongoing Malahat Improvement Project. Over 60% of the Malahat corridor is now median divided. Only Goldstream park and a four-kilometre section near the summit between Split Rock View Point and Bamberton remain undivided.

In the summer months, the ministry’s traffic data shows that more than 29,000 people drive Highway 1 through the Goldstream park area every day. Daily traffic has increased by nearly 4,000 cars a day over the past 10 years.