Repair work on the Malahat has finally been completed nearly two years after a section was washed out during the 2021 atmospheric river event.
Repairs to the Tunnel Hill section of the Trans-Canada Highway were challenging, said the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in a statement, but the project has improved the safety and reliability of the section for the more than 35,000 commuters who use the corridor daily.
“We know the Malahat is a critical connection for residents, businesses, emergency services and the movement of goods on the Island,” said Transportation Minister Rob Fleming, in the same statement. “The completion of this project doesn’t just ensure safety for drivers. It increases our resiliency for dealing with future climate events and it means people can keep counting on this route to get to their work, homes and families.”
Approximately 50 metres of a northbound lane was washed out on Nov. 15, 2021. A culvert outlet was severely damaged and several sections of retaining wall were also compromised. Temporary repairs were completed to stabilize the slope and reopen the highway to two-lane traffic.
Permanent repairs, which began in July 2022, included safety upgrades, restoring 50 metres of the northbound lane, improving drainage and slope stability, and replacing an 80-metre retaining wall with a 100-metre-long wall.
READ MORE: Malahat reopening to alternating traffic following safety assessment