The province is encouraging Malahat drivers to plan ahead and avoid peak travel times if they’re venturing off during the Labour Day long weekend.
With more than 120,000 vehicles expected to traverse the Malahat over the coming days, the province said travellers should prepare for significant traffic congestion and consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening.
The long weekend will see no construction at the Tunnel Hill site, which is undergoing repairs after the section was damaged by the 2021 floods. Construction zone speed limits will still be in effect while the work is paused from noon on Friday (Sept. 1) to Tuesday morning.
The highest northbound travel volumes during summer long weekends have historically been noon to 6 p.m. on Friday – with 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. being the heaviest – and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The highest southbound volumes are usually from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and between 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – with 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the busiest – on holiday Mondays.
“Travellers should plan their journeys with extra time to reach their destinations and be prepared by packing extra water, food and supplies for passengers and pets,” the province said.
Up-to-date road conditions can be found at https://www.drivebc.ca/.
