The company that provides road clearing services for the South Island is advising motorists not to travel today if they don’t have to.
As severe rainfall creates washouts and flooding all over B.C.’s South Coast, Emcon Services is asking drivers to stay safe by avoiding the roads if they can.
Just after 9 a.m., Emcon said Highway 1 was shut down at the Malahat due to flooding at Tunnel Hill, north of Finlayson Arm Road.
“Crews are working to release the water,” Emcon said.
Part of Highway 1 was also shut down at Mount Sicker Road in the Cowichan Valley due to flooding, according to Drive BC.
SOUTHBOUND CLOSED #BCHwy1 – Due to flooding at Mt. Sicker Rd north of #DuncanBC. No estimated time of reopening. Assessment in progress. #CowichanBay #LadysmithBC
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 15, 2021
Highway 1A in the Cowichan Valley was also shut down between Westholme Road and Crofton Road.
CLOSED #BCHwy1A – Due to flooding between Westholme Rd and Crofton Rd. Estimated time of reopening not available. Detour in effect via Osborne Rd.
More info: https://t.co/145OfwK7rR#VanIsle #DuncanBC #CowichanBay— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 15, 2021
Emcon also reported that Cowichan Bay Road was flooded between Tzouhalem Road and the highway, with a detour available on Bench Road.
**ROADS FLOODED** Cowichan Bay Rd flooded between Tzouhalem Rd and #BCHwy1 – detour available via Bench Road. Tzouhalem Rd also flooded between Joe Rd and Samuel Rd – access North of Samuel Rd via Trunk Rd. @DriveBC_VI @DriveBC #DuncanBC @NorthCowichan pic.twitter.com/XyrQ1NM8BF
— Emcon Services Inc., South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) November 15, 2021
#tch1 currently in the Mt. Sicker area, Southern Vancouver Island. Travel is not recommended. Crews are dealing with an abundance of emergency sites. Stalled vehicles, trapped vehicles and such will unnecessarily tie up valuable resources. Stay connected to @drivebc for updates. pic.twitter.com/X71yfheHxv
— Emcon Services Inc., BC Division (@EmconServicesBC) November 15, 2021
Elsewhere on the South Island, crews reported that Sooke Road was flooded at Impala Road in Sooke, making it impassable for some vehicles.
Drive BC later reported that Sooke Road was closed in both directions due to the flooding, effectively cutting off the main route in and out of Sooke on the South Island.
**FLOODED** #BCHwy14 flooded at Impala Rd making it impassable for smaller low clearance vehicles. Detour available via Gillespie to Kangaroo. #SookeBC #LangfordBC @DriveBC @DriveBC_VI #yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/faVVWJPSwI
— Emcon Services Inc., South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) November 15, 2021
East Sooke Road was also closed at Beecher Bay Road due to the floods.
Briarwood Drive in Mill Bay was also imapcted by flooding, according to Emcon. The road was washed out and crews were working on creating a temporary bridge.
The post ‘If you do not have to travel, do not travel’: Malahat Highway closed due to flooding appeared first on CHEK.
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