2241 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

If that were to happen they would divert traffic via the logging road network they've identified as being a substitute for such a closure but not suitable for a routine detour. Pushing vehicles through Sooke via Shawnigan would be a very lengthy detour and for many motorists it just wouldn't make sense, especially having to crawl along a windy logging road, at night, with on-street tires, etc.

 

They could very easily connect Goldstream Heights to Niagara Main and in to Langford via Shawnigan, but that also won't happen as the CRD is dead set against any such routes through the watershed, let alone the park.

[rjag]

 

They could very easily connect Goldstream Heights to Niagara Main and in to Langford via Shawnigan, but that also won't happen as the CRD is dead set against any such routes through the watershed, let alone the park.

 

Thats BS, they know all they have to do is dangle the watershed claim and that most folks wouldnt actually look at where it is on a map and realise its not even close to the Malahat

 

[Mike K.]

Oh yeah, there's plenty of politics at play here. Good times.

[exc911ence]

*snip*

 

There will also be a push for more dividers in the Malahat lookout area heading into Bamberton.

 

Although the dividers are nice to stop head-on collisions, they also block emergency u-turns when the road is closed for long periods of time.

 

What is needed is a second separate road to handle northbound traffic while the existing road is converted to south-bound flow only.

 

I still think that a floating bridge from near Mill Bay to around the airport (connecting to Mills Road?) is a good solution despite the cost and complexity but then I'm biased because I live on the Peninsula and would love to avoid Victoria when heading up-Island.

[Mike K.]

From what I’m hearing the Malahat will be upgraded to four lanes in lieu of adding a secondary route/detour. But first we’ll see the dividers to prevent head-on collisions.

[splashflash]

From what I’m hearing the Malahat will be upgraded to four lanes in lieu of adding a secondary route/detour. But first we’ll see the dividers to prevent head-on collisions.

About friggin' time. The highway is above capacity and should have been a freeway long ago. A proper freeway, with separate couplets eliminating head-on collisions, would get rid of most of the need for better bypasses than the Mill Bay ferry, Sooke-Port Renfrew-Mesachie Lake-Cowichan Lake circle route, and Swartz Bay - Saltspring Island - Crofton ferry route. The most environmentally benign method would be to convert the E&N Railway roadbed to a southbound couplet, with straightening, of course, and keep the existing highway as a northbound couplet.

Edited by splashflash, 06 December 2019 - 02:36 AM.

[Mike K.]

In addition there is talk of an interchange at south Shawnigan.

[Mike K.]

Oh and of course there is also the separate south Island transportation study that will look at a wider range of infrastructure needs and potential solutions.

The MoT has its work cut out for them with the Malahat and Highway 14. Both highways are not that different from each other.

[Mike K.]

Southbound is closed at Whittaker due to an MVI.

[Cats4Hire]

Do we have any more info? My brother went up to Duncan earlier and is probably coming down in a few hours.

[shoeflack]

Malahat study has been released here: https://www2.gov.bc....te_planning.pdf

 

Province's stance is that they will continue to improve the existing route. Next project will be to add a barrier between West Shore Parkway and Finlayson Arm Road.

[Mike K.]

Yeah, as we were saying a few days back.

 

Here are the routes they considered. The preferred was 1A.

 

 

Edited

[sebberry]

My 30 second glance at the report's TOC seems to indicate they didn't identify reasons for the closure.  

 

One would think that a report designed to give options for alternate emergency routes would take into consideration why those routes are needed.  If the cause can be mitigated, the need for alternate emergency routes changes.  

[Mike K.]

And just a reminder that there is a comprehensive south Island transportation/infrastructure report still in the works.

[G-Man]

That Far West alignment would be great if they just did a simple hot tar treatment. Would sure open up the back country for Victoria.

[Victoria Watcher]

but it's an unrealistic detour for the 1.1 times per year the malahat is closed for over 4 hours.  the course they have chosen makes sense (keep upgrading existing route).  

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 16 December 2019 - 01:23 PM.

[splashflash]

And just a reminder that there is a comprehensive south Island transportation/infrastructure report still in the works.

Which is supposed to be completed in the spring?

Edited by splashflash, 16 December 2019 - 01:32 PM.

[splashflash]

In addition there is talk of an interchange at south Shawnigan.

Which should have been done when the widening project was completed a few years ago. Perhaps this plan is in anticipation of development anticipated with the signing of the Malahat First Nation land claim agreement. https://www.cowichan...malahat-nation/

Edited by splashflash, 16 December 2019 - 01:45 PM.

[Mike K.]

Definitely more development will be occurring out that way.

As for the report, yes, something like that. I’m interested to see a more comprehensive look at the Finlayson Arm bridge but it won’t happen any time soon.

[Nparker]

...I’m interested to see a more comprehensive look at the Finlayson Arm bridge but it won’t happen any time soon.

Not any time soon, like not in the 21^st century.