Bamfield Main Road Set to Reopen After Wildfire Closure

The Bamfield Main Road in British Columbia is scheduled to reopen on October 24 following an extended closure due to the Mount Underwood wildfire. While this development marks a significant step towards restoring access, additional closures will be necessary to ensure the road is safe for travel.

Heavy rainfall has delayed work on the unstable slope, prompting crews to pause operations for safety reasons. Starting on October 27, daily closures will be implemented from 09:00 to 15:00 to allow workers to complete necessary repairs. These closures are expected to last approximately one week. During this time, traffic will alternate in single lanes when possible, with full road closures occurring as needed.

The most hazardous trees are set to be removed by the reopening date, but ongoing patrols will monitor the slope for further instability. Since the road’s closure on August 11, residents have expressed frustration over the lengthy process. The Ministry of Transportation has maintained that safety is the top priority while acknowledging that some residents believe alternative routes could have been made available.

Throughout the closure, emergency services, including ambulances, have faced challenges accessing the Bamfield area. The only viable travel options have been by boat or via a lengthy detour, which can take over four hours to reach Port Alberni, where many residents have medical appointments and family commitments.

In addition, crews are installing gates along the road that will automatically close if conditions become unsafe again. As the Ministry of Transportation continues to address the situation, ongoing communication with the affected communities remains a priority. With the reopening of the Bamfield Main Road, residents hope for improved access and reduced travel times in the near future.