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Highways closed and recycling cancelled as winter slams Sooke

Advisories caution people to be safe
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Fallen trees and winter weather have combined to close significant parts of Highway 14. (file photo)

The blast of wintry weather continued to cause problems for Sooke on Monday morning as road closures and the cancellation of some recycling pick-ups have both been announced.

On the transportation side of things, Highway 14, west of Sooke remains closed due to a significant tree-fall, downed power lines and hazardous road conditions.

Drivers are advised that the highway remains closed in both directions between Otter Point Road, east of Sooke, right up to Port Renfrew.

Ministry staff are hard at work along with BC Hydro crews to remove the many trees that have fallen across the highway.

Traffic control personnel are on the scene and are trying to accommodate local traffic, but drivers of all other vehicles have been told to stay clear of the area.

The Ministry has advised people living in the community of Port Refrew and west of the Jordan River area that they can only access Greater Victoria by using the Pacific Marine Circle Route.

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They also advise that only those drivers with good winter tires should even think about venturing out and that, even then, make sure to drive with respect for the weather conditions.

At present, the rest of highway 14 between Sooke and Langford is now open.

The closed portions of the highway will re-open some time during the week, but no exact estimate of when that will happen has been offered.

Drivers can get regular updates on closures and road conditions at DriveBC.ca and @DriveBC on Twitter.

For recycling collection, it comes as no surprise that some parts of the region, including Sooke will not have their re-cycling picked up in the Jordan River, East Sooke, Otter Point, Kangaroo Road, and on Rocky Point Road.

On other routes there will be an effort to collect recyclable materials where drivers can safely access the roads.

Those folks who are missing their recycling day are asked to bring their boxes in until the next recycling day or to take their materials to one of the depots listed at www.crd.bc.ca/bluebox.

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