north Courtenay connector

Work has started to improve the connection between Highway 19 and north Courtenay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Carried out as part of BC on the Move, the province’s new ten-year transportation plan is intended to provide better access to key destinations in the region.

Following completion, the new road will better connect Highway 19 with important services in the Comox Valley, including the new Comox Valley hospital, the Little River ferry terminal and Comox Airport.

Work under the project will include improvements to 700m of new two lane road running west from the intersection of Headquarters Road and Dove Creek Road to the intersection of Piercy Road and Dove Creek Road, where Piercy Road continues on to Highway 19.

"The connector will provide a more efficient route for residents, tourists and commercial drivers."

The project will also include construction of new, two-lane bridge across the Tsolum River.

Engineering work will include survey work, geotechnical testing and detailed design, and this work is expected to be completed over the next year.

BC minister of transportation and infrastructure Todd Stone said: "Back in 2013, I made this project a priority for the province and the region and we made a commitment to improve access in the Comox Valley.

"The connector will provide a more efficient route for residents, tourists and commercial drivers heading to and from the ferry and airport and will be completed in time for the opening of the new hospital which is under construction."

The new ten-year transportation plan was developed incorporating feedback received from a wide-ranging public engagement, during which more than 12,500 survey responses were received from British Columbians around the province.

Image: Officials during the start of work on north Courtenay connector. Photo: courtesy of the Province of British Columbia.