Residents should get ready for a couple of road closures in North Cowichan that will last for several months due to the construction of the new Cowichan District Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road.
Herd Road between the Trans-Canada Highway and Bell McKinnon Road, as well as the northbound lane of Bell McKinnon Road between Norcross Road and Herd Road will be closed from April 22 until late summer. This will allow for installation of water and sewer infrastructure and road work.
Vehicles travelling west on Herd Road can detour on Bell McKinnon Road north to Mays Road. Both the right and left turn lanes from the Trans-Canada Highway onto Herd Road will also be closed and inaccessible. People will have to leave the highway at Mays Road and head along Bell McKinnon Road to access Herd Road, the municipality said in a press release.
“The construction also impacts the Great Trail along Bell McKinnon,” the release said. “Cyclists and other trail users should avoid the Bell McKinnon Road section due to increased traffic. Alternate routes include Mays Road north of Herd Road and Norcross Road to the south.
“Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists should plan ahead and prepare for delays in this area, be mindful of signage, follow the appropriate detours and directions from traffic controllers.”
For detailed information regarding municipal projects, timelines, and impacts, visit www.northcowichan.ca/projects