One southbound lane of the Trans-Canada Highway was closed near Mill Bay Road on Tuesday afternoon after a vehicle incident disrupted traffic along one of Vancouver Island’s busiest routes.
DriveBC reported the problem at about 4:05 p.m. The closure occurred in the Malahat area, a vital section of Highway 1 linking the Greater Victoria region with northern communities. Because the incident happened during peak afternoon commuting hours, congestion quickly intensified for drivers traveling in both directions.
While the blockage directly affected southbound traffic, DriveBC cautioned that northbound motorists would also experience delays. Slow-moving emergency and highway maintenance vehicles responding to the scene contributed to backups. Traffic soon began building near the Malahat Summit, a stretch already known for slower speeds due to steep inclines, limited passing lanes, and frequent weather-related hazards.
Emergency responders and road crews were sent to manage the situation, direct traffic, and work toward safely reopening the affected lane. Authorities did not immediately release specific details about the vehicle incident but stressed the importance of caution for anyone traveling through the area. Drivers were urged to obey posted signs and follow directions from traffic control personnel.
Commuters were encouraged to postpone travel if possible or allow for extra time while crews cleared the scene and restored normal traffic flow. DriveBC continued issuing updates through its traffic advisory platforms and reminded motorists to check current road conditions before setting out.