Highway 4 on Vancouver Island remains closed due to high winds

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the highway remains closed "due to an unexpected issue on site." The province is expected to provide an update on the highway’s status at 2 p.m.

High winds forced the complete closure of Vancouver Island's only highway to the western communities of Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet on Tuesday.

Highway 4 was shut down in both directions east of Port Alberni, between Cathedral Grove and Koen Road, before 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday morning, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the highway remains closed "due to an unexpected issue on site." The province is expected to provide an update on the highway’s status at 2 p.m.

Travellers are advised to avoid the highway and instead use the four-hour detour route between Youbou in the Cowichan Valley and Port Alberni. 

It's the second time in just over a week that winds forced the highway to close. The ministry shut down the highway on July 16, citing wind danger. That closure lasted until the following morning.

"Travellers should be prepared for a possible full overnight closure and plan their travel accordingly," the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said in a statement just before 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.

"Winds on site continue to gust in excess of 50 km/h, which requires the highway to remain closed until the wind subsides to ensure the safety of the public as well as the crews and equipment on site."