![]() In the meantime, Fleming said the province is grateful to several forestry firms for allowing their private gravel roads to be used as a temporary detour. "Having those two weeks to be able to assess the patterns and the stabilization of the slope following the wildfire is going to be a critical piece for us," she said. Janelle Staite with the Transport Ministry said it will take some time to evaluate the soil and slope after the fire. Images shared by the province show the highway cluttered with rocks and splintered trees, as fire burns up the forested slope. Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino have been relying on a long, rough detour for getting supplies into their communities. Speaking at a news conference in Chilliwack, Fleming said crews are working to make Highway 4 safer by clearing debris and dangerous trees before installing protective measures, including temporary metal netting to shield drivers from falling rubble. ![]() "The mountain side above the highway is incredibly steep, and the site is extremely challenging for both wildfire crews and ministry staff and contractors." "Although this section of Highway 4 is relatively short, the impact of the fire has been significant," Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said Tuesday. The ministry said the highway may not be fully opened until mid-July, dealing a blow to the communities on the other side of the closure that are already facing major disruptions. The highway has been closed since June 6 due to a wildfire burning on the steep slope above the road. The Ministry of Transportation said Tuesday that the earliest the route could open would be June 24 to single-lane alternating traffic. VANCOUVER - Trees a metre in diameter and rocks the size of coffee mugs strewn across Highway 4 on Vancouver Island are delaying the reopening of the only paved route giving access to the communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Port Alberni.
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