Major Road Construction on Salt Spring Island: Expect Delays Until 2026
Salt Spring Island drivers face significant delays due to a culvert replacement project on Fulford-Ganges Road.
VANCOUVER ISLAND — According to CHEK, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit has announced that drivers on Salt Spring Island should prepare for extended delays as construction begins on the Cusheon Creek culvert replacement project. Starting next week, traffic will be reduced to single-lane alternating on Fulford-Ganges Road between Blackburn Road and Horel Road West, with this arrangement expected to last until December 2025.
The construction is crucial as Fulford-Ganges Road serves as a vital link for residents, businesses, and emergency services on Salt Spring Island. The project aims to replace undersized and fatigued culverts that were damaged during an atmospheric river event in November 2021, which previously washed out the road and caused significant disruptions. With the new infrastructure, the Ministry aims to enhance the road's resilience against future extreme weather events, thereby reducing flooding risks and improving drainage capacity.
Residents and visitors should anticipate delays of up to 20 minutes during construction hours, which will generally be weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some work potentially extending into weekends. A temporary detour bridge will be in place, and traffic-control personnel will assist in managing the flow of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Additionally, parking at Blackburn Lake will be closed, although pedestrian access will remain.
This project follows a previous $23-million improvement initiative along Fulford-Ganges Road, which also aimed to enhance safety and accessibility for all road users. Given the history of delays and frustrations reported by locals during past construction, residents are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and allow extra time for their journeys.
This story was originally reported by CHEK. For full details, visit the original article.
Sources
- CHEK: https://cheknews.ca/salt-spring-island-months-long-road-construction-ahead-expect-delays-1272382/
This story was compiled by our automated newsroom from official sources and local reporting. Editors review for accuracy.