If you’ve spent any time driving the Malahat in recent weeks, you’re probably wondering why the speed limit is still 60 kilometres an hour between Shawnigan Lake Road and Aspen Road.
The 34 million dollar project, which includes median barriers, four-lane highway, wider shoulders, and lighting improvements isn’t quite done yet.
Deputy Regional Director with the Ministry of Transportation Janelle Staite takes us through the finishing touches, yet to be completed.
“Last week, they were still finishing off some concrete median infill of the islands and there’s still some ditching work,” said Staite. “Instead of the contractor just putting in short lane closures and having people go up in speed and down in speed, what they’ve done is left that construction speed zone in place.”
Staite said drivers need to be patient a little longer.
“It’s definitely a short-term thing, as we get to the end of the project and it really is focused around both the safety of the travelling public as well as crews and workers who are finishing up on the project,” said Staite.
The speed limit in this stretch of Malahat Drive will increase to 80 kilometres an hour when the project is completed and it’s anticipated that the normal speed limit will be in effect within the next two weeks.
