On February 18, 2022, Huu-ay-aht First Nations announced that construction will begin in late March on the Bamfield Main Road Surfacing Project (BMRSP). It is currently in the tender process and on track for completion by the fall.
This next phase follows a year of preparation work and finalizing contracts. It includes ditch and culvert repairs and cleaning, placement, and compacting of 250,000 cubic metres of gravel, new roadside barriers, and new signage.
It was in September 2020 that the Province of B.C. announced they would partner with Huu-ay-aht to bring these upgrades to reality. Fast forward a year and a half, and the road improvements are finally happening.
“Over the years, too many lives have been lost travelling the road from Port Alberni to Anacla and Bamfield,” said Chief Robert Dennis. “We are pleased that Premier John Horgan took the time to drive the road in 2019 to see first hand how the poor conditions of the road were not only dangerous but an impediment to the economic and social health of our community. His decision to support the road improvements is a turning point for our community. A safer road will enable our tourism plans and make it easier for our citizens to return home.”
“Our number one focus is helping avoid another heartbreaking tragedy and bringing peace of mind to everyone who travels on Bamfield Road,” said Premier John Horgan. “I want to thank Chief Dennis and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations for their leadership as we work together to support reconciliation goals, create new economic opportunities, and most importantly, keep people safe. Partnerships like these help build a stronger B.C. for everyone.”
The completed tasks leading up to the tender include:
• Field Survey of the entire road corridor
• Design for the road, drainage, barriers, signing, seal coat, and pavement
• Geotechnical Investigation and Reporting
• Environmental Overview Report
• Construction Environmental Management Plan Framework
• Western Toad and Red-Legged Frog underpass design
• Concrete box underpasses are being constructed by the end of March
• Permits for gravel pits from the BC Government
• Three gravel pits have been investigated. Testing and pit design has been completed. One gravel pit is in full production, one is being cleared, and one is awaiting a final mining permit
• Six stockpile locations are being constructed. Two stockpile sites are ready with the others under development.
• Three gravel crushing contracts have been awarded and production at the Rayner Bracht pit and Dolman’s pit near km 0 is underway. Blenheim Pit crushing will begin shortly.
Construction of the road will progress into July 2022, and this is when the seal coat will begin. The entire 76 KM length of road will be seal coated and be completed by the end of September 2022.
For more information, contact: Amanda-Lee Cunningham Communications Manager, Huu-ay-aht First Nations 250-723-0100 ext. 256 | amanda.c@acunningham
View announcement: here