Flooding hit the new McKenzie Avenue interchange on Highway 1 in Saanich for a second time Saturday morning.
DriveBC declared that the exit was completely closed around 6:30 a.m. due to flooding. Drivers were directed to use a detour through the bus route.
READ ALSO: Traffic moving under McKenzie interchange after morning flooding cleared
Just after 10 a.m., all northbound lanes and one southbound lane were opened. Traffic was directed through in single-lane, alternating directions.
The interchange also flooded in early January, limiting morning rush hour traffic to one lane on a Tuesday morning.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure noted that despite the new McKenzie Interchange opening to traffic in December 2019, it remains an active construction site.
The temporary drainage measures were unable to accommodate the volume of rain that fell overnight, the spokesperson explained.
With the help of pump trucks, crews were able to re-open all lanes by noon.
READ ALSO: Windstorm causes 47 power outages on the South Island
In the wake of a significant rainstorm, many roads were flooded and residents across Vancouver Island were without power.
Highway 1 was also closed for nine kilometres through Chemainus and on the South Island, the Pacific Marine Road is also closed until further notice.
UPDATE – #BCHwy1 is CLOSED at #MacKenzieAve in #Saanich due to flooding. Detour via bus route next to highway. Next update 9am. #VictoriaBC #VanIsle
For more info: https://t.co/nPdxfc4mBY— DriveBC VI (@DriveBC_VI) February 1, 2020
@devonscarlett
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