The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has announced that Allenby Road in Duncan, British Columbia, will remain closed until the spring of 2027. This extension is necessary to complete essential repairs on a slope destabilized by the severe flooding events of November 2021.
The lingering impact of the November 2021 floods
The landslide that necessitated the closure of Allenby Road was a direct consequence of the extreme weather events that struck British Columbia in late 2021. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, the current delay is essential to ensure the safety of both the public and the crews working on the site.. The closure specifically affects the stretch of road located between Boys and Miller roads in Duncan .
The geological instability caused by those floods has proven more difficult to manage than initially anticipated.. By pushing the reopening date past the fall of 2026, officials are acknowledging that the structural integrity of the slope requires a more intensive, long-term engineering approach to restore two-lane traffic safely.
A 75-metre lock block wall and the September 2024 milestone
Significant progress was made on the Allenby Road project when preparatory work concluded in September 2024. This phase included clearing vegetation and the installation of a 75-metre lock block wall designed to stabilize the affected section of the slope.
The project, which is being conducted in partnership with Cowichan Tribes, has now transitioned into a phase focused on permanent slope repairs. While the heavy lifting of the preparatory stage is complete, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit reports that additional road safety measrues are still required before the road can be fully reopened to the public.
Maintaining access for Boys Road bsuinesses and campgrounds
Despite the extended closure, the Ministry has confirmed that local access will be maintained for those living or working near the site. Specifically, drivers can still reach businesses, the local trailer park, and the campground located near Boys Road.
As reported by CTV News Vancouver Island, local businesses reached for comment indicated that the ongoing closure has not yet significantly impacted their daily operations. However, the Ministry advises all motorists to use Highway 1 as a detour and to allow for extra travel time to navigate around the restricted section of Allenby Road.
The stability of the Duncan slope through 2027
While the Ministry has provided a new target date, several questions remain regarding the long-term success of the repairs. It is currently unclear how much additional funding or specialized equipment might be required if the slope shows further movement during the upcoming winter seasons in the Cowichan Valley.
Furthermore,the current reporting does not specify if the partnership with Cowichan Tribes will involve ongoing environmental monitoring or if the 2027 timeline accounts for potential weather-related delays. The full extent of the geological damage remains a variable that could potentially shift the reopening date once more.
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