In
response to a request by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District,
the Ministry of Transportation undertook a study in 2005 to investigate
the feasibility of a new highway route from Port Alberni to the
Inland Island Highway (Highway 19).
The expectation
was that an alternative route would take pressure off the existing
Highway 4 and provide a more direct route for travellers.
As the proposed
new route would pass either north or south of Horne Lake, the proposed
route has been commonly referred to as the Horne Lake Connector.
The work was
carried out by N.D.Lea, an engineering firm under contract to the
BC Ministry of Transportation.
The full report
is being made available on this public website illustrating the
possible routes and detailing the anticipated benefits and construction
costs. A new route is expected to cost over $40 million and attract
fewer than 1000 vehicles per day. Highway 4 would still carry about
10,000 vehicles/day. Both routes would be maintained by the Ministry’s
maintenance contractor. The report concludes that the overall costs
significantly outweigh the benefits and in accordance with the BC
government’s
Capital Asset Management Framework, the Ministry cannot justify
further investment in this route in the near future.
The Ministry
realizes the importance of a safe and efficient transportation system,
particularly for communities with limited road access, such as those
in the Alberni-Clayoquot region. Many communities on the Island
and throughout the province have similar access concerns, and we
work hard to ensure all routes are kept in good repair.
The Ministry
will continue its program of incremental improvements to the Highway
4 corridor, such as the recently-completed $4M “S-Bends”
project that improved width and alignment at the west side of Cathedral
Grove.
Future Highway
4 improvements, from Qualicum Beach to Port Alberni, will focus
upon improving safety and increasing the number of passing opportunities.
Any concerns
about provincial highways on Vancouver Island can be directed to:
Ministry of
Transportation
Vancouver Island District
3rd Floor – 2100 Labieux Road
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9T 6E9
Ph. 250-751-3246
Fax 250-751-3288 |
