Campbell River Natural Resource District road safety information
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Road notices and warnings
Zeballos FSR (8640-00) and Fair Harbour Main FSR (7994 Br. 01 & 02) road and bridge maintenance (July 14, 2023-August 30, 2023)
Road and bridge maintenance activities will be taking place on the Zeballos and Fair Harbour FSRs between the highway and Fair Harbour. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Please plan your travel accordingly.
Zeballos FSR (8640-00) 21-23.5km – Loose Gravel and soft shoulders
Please use extra caution while driving between 21km and 23.5km on the Zeballos FSR due to loose gravel and soft shoulders.
Seasonal travel
Seasonal conditions exist on most roads. Back-country roads may present a variety of conditions ranging from rough and/or wet with soft muddy sections to dry and dusty sections resulting in reduced visibility. Where avalanche paths exist, the roads may be partially covered with residual debris. As always, caution is advised on all roads and back-country travellers should be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions including stream flows which may affect road conditions. Travellers should also be mindful when entering tsunami areas and pay close attention to tsunami evacuation route signage.
It is strongly recommended that travellers on winter roads take the following precautions:
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained and has reliable tires (seasonably dependent) installed
- Always carry chains
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit - i.e. first aid kit, shovel, axe, matches, lighter, blankets, rope etc.
- Drive accordingly to road and weather conditions and drive defensively expecting the unexpected
- Never exceed posted speed limits
- Keep a safe distance behind vehicles; you must be able to stop in half the distance that you can clearly see
- Notify someone of your departure time and expected time of arrival at destination
- In extreme conditions, re-evaluate the need to travel
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Road closures and restrictions
Campbell River Watershed - John Hart Lake Restrictions
The City of Campbell River draws its drinking water supply from John Hart Lake mostly via the BC Hydro intake dam and penstocks. On October 15, 2001 the Ministry of Forests in cooperation with the City of Campbell River moved to protect the city’s water supply. To that end, several roads within the community watershed are closed to motorized vehicles. In addition, an order to prohibit camping along the shores of the John Hart Lake is in place.
The intent of the order is to protect the drinking water used by the residents of the Campbell River area. Motor vehicles can cause sediment and petroleum products to enter the water supply. Campers can introduce human fecal coliform and other pollutants.
Please see the John Hart Road and Camping Closures Map for futher details.
For additional information please visit the City of Campbell River website.
Snowden Demonstration Forest Trails
Established trails within the Snowden Demonstration Forest are classified as non-motorized trails and use of motorized vehicles is prohibited.