Work progressing on permanent repairs to 2021 Malahat highway flood damage
A construction crew repairing a key stretch of the Malahat highway is a quarter of the way done driving piles into bedrock, after historic rainfall washed out part of the road at Tunnel Hill in fall 2021.
“We’re making some great progress there,” said Janelle Staite, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s deputy director.
In an update to CTV News, Staite said there are a total of 84 piles being driven into bedrock at the construction site, which will form part of the final retaining wall for the restoration work on the highway.
The atmospheric river flood event on Nov. 15, 2021, washed out part of the northbound lane.
“I was the last one through just before they shut it down a year or so ago,” said Cobble Hill resident John Kamphof.
He had been driving people to the ferry that day – and is among many who can’t forget the sight.
“There was this huge puddle and I had to take my car very, very slowly, making sure that the wave was staying ahead of my bumper so that my engine wouldn’t get flooded,” he said.
As with any new project of this kind, the province says the $24-million fix is being done with climate change in mind.
“The climate-resilient investments we’re making on the Malahat are going to be completed this summer,” said Transportation Minister Rob Fleming.
At the time of the washout, a culvert failed. The ministry says the ongoing work is doubling the culvert's size. Two more will be added as well.
“If we see the same levels of water we saw in the atmospheric river event or potentially more volumes of water, the intent is the site will absolutely be able to handle additional capacity to come through,” said Staite.
People who rely on the highway tell CTV News they’re not noticing any significant effects on their commute.
“It seems to flow fine,” said Mill Bay resident Joyce Stokes.
“It hasn’t really done a whole lot to change my driving habit,” said Kamphof.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.