Current phase: Bell McKinnon Road - Norcross to Drinkwater
Location
Bell McKinnon Road, from Norcross Road to Drinkwater Road (see map below)
Timeframe
September 15, 2025, to late-October 2025
Project led by
Hall Constructors
Description - Bell McKinnon Road watermain upgrade - Final Phase
Improvements to the watermain along Bell McKinnon Road are continuing, to enhance flow capacity. This is being done as part of the Cowichan District Hospital servicing works.
Starting September 8, construction will resume on Bell McKinnon Road between Norcross Road and Drinkwater Road. This final phase will include a change in traffic patterns to support an accelerated work schedule, aimed at minimizing the overall duration of construction.
Bell McKinnon Road between Norcross Road and Drinkwater Road will be limited to southbound only traffic on a full-time basis.
Access to local residents and businesses will be as follows:
Those fronting Bell McKinnon Road Between Norcross and Drinkwater Roads.
TCH#1 NB onto Norcross then SB onto Bell McKinnon.
TCH#1 SB via Herd Rd then SB onto Bell McKinnon
Those fronting Bell McKinnon Road North of Norcross Road
NB traffic access from TCH#1 via Norcross Road North of Drinkwater Road.
SB access via Herd Rd.
Those fronting Norcross Road
NB TCH#1 access via Norcross Rd exit.
SB TCH#1 access via Herd Rd. to Bell McKinnon Rd.
Those fronting Drinkwater Road and for access to the Forest Discovery Centre and Visitor Centre:
Access via SB Bell McKinnon as above.
Access via Drinkwater Rd at TCH.
Sewer and water main installation on Herd Road
Location
Bell McKinnon Rd and Herd Rd
Timeframe
April 22 to late November 2024
Project led by
Hall Constructors
Description
Installation of storm sewer and water main, as well as road work, will require the full closure of Herd Road from Bell McKinnon Road to Hwy 1, and the northbound lane on Bell McKinnon between Herd Road and Norcross Road. The southbound lane will remain open, though for local and construction traffic only.
This work is in support of the new Cowichan District Hospital currently under construction on Bell McKinnon Road. Construction of a roundabout at this intersection will take place in 2025.
What you need to know:
Traffic will be impacted on both Bell McKinnon and Herd Roads.
Herd Road is closed between Bell McKinnon Road and Hwy 1. Left and right turn lanes on the highway will be closed.
Access to Hwy 1 from Herd Road will be detoured via Bell McKinnon Road to the Mays Road intersection.
Bell McKinnon Road south of Herd Road will be open southbound to local and construction traffic only. The northbound lane will be closed.
Road users can expect delays and should allow extra time during construction.
The Great Trail (Trans-Canada Trail) cycling and pedestrian detour options
Cyclists and other trail users should avoid the section of the trail between Mays Road and Herd Road due to increased traffic volumes.
Alternate routes include:
Mays Road (north of Herd Road) and Norcross (south of Herd Road) and Drinkwater. These routes are hilly.
Trans Canada Highway (Hwy1) via Hall and Sprott. There is a pedestrian underpass at Sprott for northbound travelers. A parallel service road south of Mays can be used to avoid some highway travel.
Sewer installation on Bell McKinnon near new hospital
Location Bell McKinnon Rd and Herd Rd
Timeframe
Mid February - end of March 2024
Project led by
Hall Constructors
Description
Installation of sanitary sewer on Bell McKinnon Rd near new Cowichan District Hospital location. Work will proceed north on Bell McKinnon, cross Herd Rd, and end approximately 60 metres north of Herd Rd on Bell McKinnon. Ground preparation is also taking place at Bell McKinnon and Herd in preparation for construction of a roundabout in 2025.
What you need to know:
Traffic will be impacted on both Bell McKinnon and Herd Roads. Obey signage and watch for traffic control persons. Expect minor delays (single-lane alternating traffic), and plan for extra travel time through this work area.
Image
Sewer and water main installation on Bell McKinnon Road
Location
Bell McKinnon Road between Norcross and Herd Roads
Timeframe
November 26, 2024, to March 2025
Project led by
Hall Constructors
Description
Bell McKinnon Road will undergo phased closures in 100 metre sections, progressing northward from Norcross Road towards Herd Road for the installation of underground utilities. For details on the current section of road closed, visit northcowichan.ca/roads.
What you need to know
Access within the closed section will be limited to local residents only, emergency vehicles, school buses, and transit.
Mays Road and Norcross Road are local traffic only routes, and no heavy trucks
For residents north of the closure, you will exit north on Bell McKinnon to access Highway 1 via Herd Road.
For residents south of or within the closure area, you will exit south on Bell McKinnon.
Upcoming additional work in the area includes the construction of a roundabout at Herd and Bell McKinnon beginning in late spring 2025
