Photo: DriveBC

There will be an extended spring closure on Highway 1 construction in Kicking Horse Canyon.

People driving along Highway 1 through Golden should expect to start seeing more crews working to convert the last 4.8 kilometres of narrow, winding two-lane road, to a modern four-lane standard, the province says.

Highway 1 through the canyon just east of Golden will be closed for a month during the spring 2021 shoulder season.

"This closure will allow crews to proceed with work that cannot be carried out safely during shorter interruptions, such as major excavation, piling and hauling," explains the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

From April 12 to May 14, through traffic on Highway 1 from Golden to Castle Junction will be routed via highways 93 and 95. This adds up to 1.5 hours of travel time. Signs for the closure and alternative routes will be posted in advance.

"The construction zone will be opened briefly to local/commuter traffic twice daily, escorted by a pilot vehicle during one half-hour period beginning at 7 a.m. and one half-hour period beginning at 4:30 p.m. Similar escorts will be provided for school buses so students will have uninterrupted access to school. Emergency vehicles in response mode will be provided escorted passage on short notice," the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure adds.

Updates on delays will be available online.