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Latest newsletter from KHCC

Construction and traffic update
March 19, 2021



Construction ramping up

Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors (KHCC) has begun to prepare the Phase 4 work zone for more intense construction activities that will be ramping up over the coming weeks. Expect the following effects on traffic (all times Mountain):

Single-lane alternating traffic causing delays of 20-30 minutes can be expected to continue through to about April 10. Confirming information from KHCC is expected in the near future.

By about March 29, overnight closures can be expected on non-holiday weekdays between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. These may be preceded by 2-hour evening closures between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Confirmation from KHCC will be coming soon.

Extended 24-hour closures will be in effect from May 17 to May 31, except for weekends and the Victoria Day holiday. These are in addition to the 24/7 extended closure previously announced for April 12 - May 14. There will be two half-hour windows daily during which limited local/commuter traffic will be escorted through the construction zone. A commuter pass system will be applied (see below). All other traffic will be routed via Highways 93S and 95.

Formal traffic notifications from KHCC are found on the Traffic Management page of the project website. All of the information above and in the traffic notifications is subject to verification on DriveBC.



Commuter pass system

During the extended closures, arrangements have been made for brief, limited openings to allow escorted passage through the construction zone for school buses, local commuters, selected deliveries and exceptional, urgent local trips. With severely limited capacity, a pass system for regular commuters has been established. See here for more information and application forms for those who qualify.


Mindfulness on the alternate route

Highway 93S from Castle Junction to Radium Hot Springs passes through Kootenay National Park, and brings with it the Parks Canada driving experience of beautiful vistas and abundant wildlife. Highway 95 from Radium to Golden is a scenic rural highway, with limited passing opportunities, frequent wildlife sightings, hidden driveways, and the presence of school buses and children. During traffic diversion periods, expect increased presence and enforcement from RCMP and CVSE (Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement). Motorists are urged to be mindful of these factors on a route that may be unfamiliar to them. Be patient, be safe and be respectful of all road users; observe speed limits, and remember to stop in both directions when school bus lights are flashing.