Plans paused for Goldstream median barrier widening project

Press Release

Feb. 5, 2026

VICTORIA

Summary

• Province not proceeding with the Goldstream median barrier widening project
• More analysis is needed to address environmental considerations in Goldstream Park
• An update of the Malahat Highway 1 Safety Review, including a review of crash data, will be completed later in 2026

The Province is not proceeding with the Goldstream median barrier widening project at this time, as additional work is required to address environmental considerations in this sensitive area of Goldstream Park.

Additional analysis is required to understand potential environmental impacts of the project in the Goldstream Park area. This work will inform any future decisions about upgrades in this section of the corridor, as well as prioritize this work within the recommendations for future highway upgrades.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit will continue to work with its maintenance contractors, emergency responders and the RCMP to support safe and reliable travel throughout the corridor.

Planning for future Malahat safety improvements

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit will update its 2012 Highway 1 Malahat Safety Review to reflect current conditions, including a review of crash data, to help prioritize future short-, medium- and long-term improvements along the corridor. This work will be completed later in 2026.

• More than half of the Malahat corridor is protected with permanent concrete median barriers dividing oncoming traffic.
• In areas where these barriers are not in place, such as within Goldstream Park, flexible centreline delineators will remain installed.
• These delineators help improve safety by clearly defining lane boundaries, reducing the risk of head-on collisions and improving visibility in poor weather or low-light conditions.

Engagement with First Nations and interest holders

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has been in discussions with First Nations and interest holders through the project’s planning process and will continue doing so as it updates the corridor study.

Quick Facts:

• The corridor study update will be completed within existing ministry operating budgets.
• Funding previously earmarked for Goldstream improvements will be reallocated to other transportation priorities.
• The Malahat corridor is a key connection between communities on southern Vancouver Island.

Learn More:

• More information about Highway 1 – Malahat Safety Improvements is available here:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/malahat-safety-improvements

Contact:
Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Media Relations
250-356-8241

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