Work on a $34-million Malahat Drive highway improvement project has begun.

 

Some five kilometres of roadway between Shawnigan Lake and Aspen roads through Malahat Village will be expanded to four lanes with wider shoulders and three kilometres of centre medians, according to the Ministry of Transportation, which confirms crews are currently repositioning hydro and utility poles prior to ramping up road work operations.

 

Upon project completion approximately 11 kilometres of the Malahat will be divided by centre medians, raising the route’s divided roadway total to 65% between Finlayson Arm Road and Bamberton.

 

Additional improvements will be in the form of new frontage and backage roads aimed at improving safety around highway access and egress. A new turnaround facility near Malahat Village and improved lighting at intersections will also be included.

 

Funding for the project is split between the provincial and federal governments, with $20-million earmarked by the province and $14-million by Ottawa.

 

Project completion is slated for mid-2018. Motorists can expect slight delays related to construction activities, although the Ministry has confirmed every effort will be made to minimize disruptions during peak travel periods. Travelers may encounter brief stoppages for blasting, tree falling and equipment crossings. Major scheduled disruptions will be publicized by the Ministry ahead of time. C