Bamfield Road Closure Extended: Reopening Target Set for Late October

UPDATE: Bamfield Road, a critical route connecting Port Alberni to Bamfield, will remain closed until late October, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. The closure has been in effect since August 11, 2025, following the devastating Mount Underwood fire that ravaged the area.

Crews are currently focused on a 1.5-kilometer stretch between kilometers 8 and 9.5, where dangerous slopes and unstable terrain pose significant risks. The ministry confirmed that work involves clearing debris, removing unsafe trees, and stabilizing slopes to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

“We are dealing with unpredictable conditions, similar to what we faced after the Cameron Bluffs wildfire on Highway 4,” a ministry spokesperson stated in a news release.

Ditidaht Chief Councillor Judi Thomas expressed her concerns regarding public safety: “I’m not surprised it’s going to take this long. The slopes are unsafe, and with the first rain, there’s a potential for falling debris and mudslides.”

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor John Jack urged residents to prepare for continued disruptions. “My expectation is that it will open at the end of October, but we should be ready for closures due to weather conditions,” he warned.

The impact of the road closure is significant, as it has hindered access to essential services for local residents, including medical care and grocery shopping. “There’s great concern about their inability to access doctors,” Thomas added. “Patients requiring treatment, such as chemotherapy, now face an additional three-hour journey.”

While the alternate route through Youbou is currently in good condition, Thomas noted that funding for road maintenance will cease once the local state of emergency is lifted. “This situation highlights the need for long-term solutions,” she emphasized.

The Ministry is actively working on a geotechnical assessment to identify further hazard risks. New operating guidelines will be established to set rain and wind thresholds for patrols and potential preemptive closures. Additionally, the ministry plans to install a weather station and closure gates in the coming weeks to enhance safety measures along the affected route.

As work continues, local leaders are calling for a reevaluation of the road’s infrastructure. “It’s a wicked problem that can be addressed by designating it a provincial road. Paving it would be the solution,” Thomas concluded.

For now, the community waits with bated breath as they navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing closure. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.