Bamfield Road reopens after two months of closures due to wildfire

Bamfield Main Road has reopened to public travel following extensive safety and repair work by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. However, additional daytime closures will be necessary in the coming weeks. Drivers should expect daytime closures starting the week of October 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These daytime closures will allow crews to complete additional work between kilometres 8 and 9.5 of Bamfield Main Road, a 1.5-kilometre section managed by Mosaic Forest Management that had been fully closed due to the Mount Underwood wildfire. Crews have removed hazardous trees and repaired fire-damaged areas to ensure the road could reopen safely. The ministry is appreciative of the support of Mosaic Forest Management, which collaborated with the provincial government to restore public access as quickly and safely as possible. A new weather station has been installed to monitor wind and precipitation levels, providing real-time data to help guide road-closure decisions during severe weather. An operating protocol is in place to guide closures during periods of high wind or heavy rainfall, ensuring public safety remains the top priority. Two emergency gates have been installed at both ends of this stretch of road to assist with quick implementation of closures, if required. Extensive signage has also been installed. Drivers are advised to follow signage at all times. “The Bamfield road closure after this summer’s wildfire has been tough on residents, visitors, and local businesses,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island–Pacific Rim. For up-to-date information about this closure and road conditions on alternative routes, travellers can visit the DriveBC website. [https://www.drivebc.ca]