The Great Detour: Four Years of Silence Along the Strathcona Dam Road

Well, get ready for a significant shift in how we move around the Campbell River area, especially if your routes typically take you anywhere near the magnificent Strathcona Dam. It’s official: a key stretch of road right across from the dam is gearing up for a substantial, some might even say epic, four-year closure. Yes, you read that right—four whole years.

This isn't just a quick inconvenience, mind you. Starting November 3, 2025, that crucial 1.5-kilometer section of roadway that deftly crosses the spillway, linking the east and west sides of the river near the John Hart Generating Station, will become inaccessible. And it’s not just for a few weeks or months; we’re talking until early 2030. Think about that for a moment: it’s a considerable chunk of time, certainly enough to reshape daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The reason behind this rather massive undertaking? It's all part of the John Hart Dam seismic upgrade project. You see, ensuring the safety and resilience of our critical infrastructure is, in truth, paramount. BC Hydro is embarking on this vital work to bring the dam up to the latest seismic standards, which, while absolutely necessary, does mean a prolonged period of disruption for anyone who uses that particular stretch of pavement—be they drivers, cyclists, or just someone out for a peaceful stroll.

So, what's the alternative, you might ask? For those needing to navigate around the closure, Highway 19 becomes the main artery. And for the recreational types, the ones who perhaps fancy a walk or a ride, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and the Canyon View Trail will remain open. It's not the same direct route, certainly, but these options do offer a way to still enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the region, albeit with a bit of a scenic detour.

This project, in its grander scope, fits into BC Hydro’s extensive list of ongoing work within the Campbell River area. There’s the John Hart Generating Station Replacement, for instance, and let’s not forget the Ladore Dam Seismic Upgrade. It’s a lot of activity, really, all aimed at bolstering our energy infrastructure and, more importantly, keeping our communities safe for the long haul. And honestly, while a four-year road closure feels like forever, the peace of mind that comes with a seismically sound dam? Well, you could say that’s priceless.