Wednesday July 28, 2020 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary Brooke, editor ~ West Shore Voice News
People in the West Shore will soon have safer driving conditions as upgrades to Highway 1 from Leigh Road to the West Shore Parkway are 50% complete, it was stated in a BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure news release early this morning, July 28.
“Improving safety for people travelling on our highways is a top priority,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “We listened to the concerns of commuters and local law enforcement. It’s great to see this project, which will widen the highway to four lanes and install median barriers, getting closer to completion.”
Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “There were too many accidents occurring on this stretch of road and our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones. This joint project with the federal government will make important improvements in safety for those driving through the corridor.”
Construction began in September 2019, largely in response to the tragedy of two deaths in two separate traffic incidents in January and February of that year. Temporary median barriers were put in place in February 2019. The project is now stated as ahead of schedule and is slated to be complete before summer 2021.
“On behalf of the families affected by accidents on this stretch of the highway, as well as the residents of Langford, I am pleased that this project is halfway completed,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young in the government’s news release. “The support and proactive approach taken by the Province will make the highway safer for all. This vital safety measure will no doubt save lives and encourage motorists to drive carefully.”
More roadworks and electrical installations:
Blasting of the rock bluffs along the project site to better improve sightlines and removal of soft soil to help make the road safer near the Leigh Road interchange northbound highway on-ramp are complete. The next phase of work includes building storm drainage and culverts, placing a gravel road base and installing electrical fixtures.
Paving will take place from early August to September. Drivers are advised to use caution, follow the directions of traffic control personnel and obey the construction speed zone limit of 60 km/h when in place. For updates, motorists are advised to check: DriveBC.ca
Widening to four lanes:
Upgrades to Highway 1, between the Leigh Road interchange and the West Shore Parkway signal at Highway 1, include widening the road to four lanes with median barrier separation and improved roadside protections. A new northbound through lane at the West Shore Parkway intersection will improve traffic flow and make commuting safer and more efficient. These plans were first rolled out mid-2019, with work on the project started in September 2019.
Working with COVID-19 protocols:
Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place, following the requirements of the provincial health officer, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include reducing in-person meetings or gatherings, holding meetings outdoors and ensuring physical distancing of workers throughout the work day. These measures, along with other work protocols, such as daily cleaning and sanitizing of common areas and surfaces, will help ensure worker and public safety.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure thanks drivers for their patience during construction of these safety improvements.
===== Learn More:
The project was announced in April 2019. The original announcement is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TRAN0057-000748
A map and project details can be found: https://www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/#view=details&id=2298 (https://www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/#view=details&id=2298)
Photo album of the work on this project: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/albums/72157715187899791
===== Previous articles:
Widening to four lanes first scheduled in August 2019 (August 5, 2019) and then more scheduled for February 2020 (January 27, 2020)
Temporary barriers installed on Hwy 1 after two fatal accidents (February 22, 2019)
Fatality on Hwy 1 near Leigh Road on February 3, 2019 (February 3, 2019)
Driver from the January 8, 2019 crash has died (January 25, 2019)
Both drivers in January 8 Hwy 1 crash near Leigh Road injured and taken to hospital (January 8, 2019)