Fix Highway 14 - Jordan River to Port Renfrew
Please consider to letter below and sign the petition to ask the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation to fix Highway 14. Submitted by the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce.
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Subject: Request for Immediate Road Maintenance and Improvement on Highway 14 (Jordan River to Port Renfrew)
On behalf of the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce (PRCC), I am writing to urgently request road maintenance and improvements on Highway 14 from Jordan River to Port Renfrew. This section of highway is part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route, providing travelers with breathtaking views through Juan de Fuca Provincial Park and the surrounding Pacific Coast rainforest. As a primary gateway to Port Renfrew, the road serves not only the local population but also the growing number of visitors who travel to the area for tourism and outdoor recreation.
Community and Economic Context
Highway 14 is a vital transportation link connecting Port Renfrew with Greater Victoria and the broader region. Serving the Traditional Territory of the Pacheedaht First Nation, this 80 km/h route is classified as a major road by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), and it is one of only two access routes to Port Renfrew. In recent years, the road has deteriorated significantly, compromising safety and accessibility. The impacts of these road conditions are being felt by residents, businesses, tourists, and first responders.
Port Renfrew has shifted from its historical reliance on logging and commercial fishing industries to becoming a hub for tourism, outdoor recreation, and sport fishing. The area boasts the world-class Pacific Gateway Marina, and tourism-driven projects such as the Pacheedaht First Nation campground, which stretches nearly 2 km along Port San Juan’s pristine beach, have contributed to the region’s growing economy. However, the road’s poor condition is hindering access to these economic opportunities and negatively impacting the safety of all who travel to and through the area.
Current Road Conditions and Community Impacts
The conditions on Highway 14 are unacceptable. Many sections of the road have fallen into disrepair, forcing drivers to navigate around deep potholes and uneven surfaces. These conditions are not only frustrating but also hazardous, particularly for those unfamiliar with the road. In some instances, drivers must slow to speeds as low as 20 km/h to safely navigate the worst sections of the road, resulting in severe congestion and creating dangerous passing situations. The road’s surface failure is causing increased wear and tear on vehicles and making it more difficult for emergency services, delivery trucks, and tourists to use the route safely.
Impact on Safety: Highway 14 is a primary school bus route, and the safety of children traveling to and from school is at risk. The severe road conditions expose children to potential accidents or injuries, especially on buses traveling at slow speeds. In addition, ambulances and first responders are severely delayed by the road’s poor condition, compromising emergency response times and putting lives at risk.
Economic Impact: Tourism, sport fishing, and local businesses are all dependent on the ability to safely transport visitors, goods, and services to Port Renfrew. The current state of the road has led to discouragement among some potential tourists, with some visitors choosing not to return due to the "crazy road." Additionally, the conditions are making it increasingly difficult to transport trailers, RVs, and boats, which are essential for tourism and recreation in the area.
Physical Impacts on Travelers: The rough road conditions cause significant discomfort for those traveling along Highway 14, especially for those with physical ailments like back or neck issues. The constant bouncing of vehicles can lead to further injuries and makes travel to Port Renfrew less appealing for many people.
Technical Issues and Road Failures
The deterioration of Highway 14 can largely be attributed to inadequate initial construction and a lack of ongoing maintenance. The key technical issues contributing to the road’s current state include:
Potholes: These are typically caused by asphalt failure, which occurs when the base or subbase materials were inadequate, leading to surface collapse.
Slope Failures: Particularly on the south or downhill side of the road, slope consolidation has resulted in sunken areas, causing severe depressions and uneven surfaces.
Settlement: In some areas, failed culverts or underlying issues with the road’s foundation have caused significant depressions, creating what can be described as inverted speed bumps.
These issues collectively make it impossible to maintain a safe, efficient route for travelers. The recent slope failures, particularly near Loss Creek, are especially concerning and require immediate attention. If left unaddressed, there is a risk that these areas could worsen, potentially cutting off access to Port Renfrew altogether.
Recommended Action
Given the current state of Highway 14, the Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce strongly recommends the following actions be taken immediately:
Resurfacing and Repair: Immediate resurfacing of the most heavily damaged sections of the road. This would involve milling the existing asphalt where necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the new asphalt and applying a new asphalt mix that may include reinforcing fibers to mitigate future failures.
Slope Stabilization: Urgent stabilization of the slope failure areas, particularly those around Loss Creek, to prevent further damage to the road and ensure continued access to Port Renfrew.
Ongoing Maintenance: A long-term plan for ongoing maintenance and improvements to the road’s infrastructure to ensure its safety and reliability for all users.
Summary
Port Renfrew, along with the Pacheedaht First Nation, plays a vital role in the economic and cultural fabric of the region. The road conditions on Highway 14 must be addressed to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and the efficient flow of goods and services. We request that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure prioritize immediate repairs and work with the community to develop a long-term plan for improving Highway 14.
We look forward to your prompt response and to a cooperative effort in addressing these critical road issues.
Sincerely,
Port Renfrew Chamber of Commerce