North Cowichan is entering a busy road work season, including two significant projects that will see the closure of Herd Road between Bell McKinnon and Lakes Roads beginning May 20.
This section of Herd Road will remain open to local traffic (via alternate routes), but through traffic will be required to detour.
Bell McKinnon Road south of Herd Road will be closed to traffic.
The closures will continue until mid-October.
A roundabout at Bell McKinnon and Herd Roads is being constructed as part of the Cowichan District Hospital replacement project.
Earlier phases of roadwork in this area included installing underground utilities that will support the hospital and surrounding future development.
The second project is the replacement of the Herd Road bridge deck at Richards Creek.
This will include minor works under the bridge and the replacement of railings to meet current bridge code.
Schedules and traffic management plans for these two projects have been coordinated to minimize the overall impact to road users, residents and businesses.
While the work will be limited to daytime hours, the road closures will be in effect at all times (24/7) to ensure public safety.
Signage will be in place to indicate detour routes for affected traffic with access maintained for local traffic through the work zones or via alternative routes.
Local businesses and farm stands will remain open.
Signs and electronic message boards will provide updates on the closures and detour information.
