Portions of three Vancouver Island highways will be resurfaced this spring and summer as part of an $8.5-million project to improve conditions for people who travel on these routes.

Work is underway to resurface a 40-kilometre section of Highway 19 between Parksville and Bowser. Due to reduced traffic volumes as a result of COVID-19, work is happening during the day and overnight with minimal impact on essential travel. Drivers can expect single-lane traffic through the work zone.

Near Victoria, Highway 1 will be resurfaced between the new McKenzie Interchange and Leigh Road – a distance of eight kilometres. All on- and off-ramps in the work zone will also be resurfaced. This resurfacing work will happen overnight to minimize delays for drivers.

Approximately 2.5 kilometres of Highway 14 near the Westshore Parkway will also be resurfaced. Drivers can expect lane closures during the work. Resurfacing sections of Highway 14 and Highway 1 is expected to begin in spring 2020.

A contract for the work has been awarded to Peters Brothers Construction Ltd. of Penticton.

The ministry is working closely with the contractor and WorkSafeBC to ensure health and safety are maintained for all workers on site.

B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO) has directed construction employers to take all necessary precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees. This includes ensuring workers maintain physical distance with a minimum of two metres apart from each other, both in the course of their duties as well as during breaks. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 like symptoms will be directed to self-isolate at home for at least 10 days.

While highways and roads remain open, the PHO recommends people stay close to home and avoid any non-essential travel.