Highway 4 is set to reopen this weekend but only to limited traffic.
This critical highway is a lifeline for Port Alberni and the west coast of Vancouver Island.
It’s been shut since June 6 because the Cameron Bluffs wildfire is burning on steep terrain above the highway.
The fire, believed to be human-caused, resulted in rocks and other debris falling on the highway.
These dangerous condiitions forced transportation offiicals to close the highway.
“Crews … are installing temporary safety measures to allow the highway to reopen,” read a statement from the province. “Safety measures include the installation of a temporary concrete barrier wall in the eastbound lane of Highway 4 as well as protective mesh curtains suspended by cranes.”
The fire burned 2.3 square kilometres of forest and the BC Wildfire Service now considers the blaze to be under control.
However the impact on tourism, food banks and West Isle residents continues.
