Bamfield Main Road Reopening Oct. 24 with Daily Closures Ahead

URGENT UPDATE: Bamfield Main Road will reopen on October 24, but drivers should brace for daily closures starting October 27, according to the Ministry of Transportation. The reopening comes after extensive work to stabilize the road following the Mount Underwood Wildfire and subsequent hazardous conditions.

Crews have been actively working to secure steep slopes and remove dangerous trees, but unexpected weather has delayed progress. Heavy rainfall over the weekend halted operations, and more rain is on the horizon, complicating the reopening plans. The ministry warns of 50 to 75 millimeters of rain forecast for Wednesday, October 22, which could lead to further pauses in work and potential safety risks.

Friday, October 24, marks the first day of limited access. Traffic will be allowed through the site in the morning and will remain open through the weekend. However, starting Monday, October 27, daily closures will be implemented from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to facilitate ongoing utility work and tree removal efforts.

“Utility work will require some full closures and, whenever possible, single-lane alternating traffic will be implemented to minimize the impact to traffic,” the ministry stated.

The ministry has prioritized the removal of the most hazardous trees and will continue to monitor the slope’s stability to ensure safety for all travelers. “Patrols will continue to monitor the slope and respond to any changes,” officials confirmed.

Bamfield residents have faced significant challenges during this extended closure, which has impacted local access and daily life. As work progresses, it remains crucial for the community and travelers to stay informed about road conditions.

For real-time updates on traffic and scheduled closures, visit DriveBC.

Stay tuned for more developments as the situation unfolds.