By Melissa Lanyon
Ongoing electrical upgrades along 16th Avenue will keep traffic detours in place through mid-September, as BC Hydro expands grid capacity for Campbell River and Quadra Island’s growing power needs.
The active excavation and civil construction—which began in mid-January—is designed to increase local capacity. A major driver for the project includes preparing the network to support upcoming electrification and shore-charging requirements for BC Ferries’ Quadra Island route.
While work at the busy Dogwood Street and 16th Avenue intersection itself is now complete, crews are currently working on 16th Avenue east of Dogwood moving east toward Roberts’ Reach. For the next few weeks, drivers will not be able to turn east onto 16th Avenue from Dogwood Street.
Local detours are active, and BC Hydro confirms all nearby businesses remain open and accessible.
Prime contractor Knappett Industries is in charge of construction, which involves installing underground duct banks and access vaults to house new electrical cables.
Overall, construction along the corridor is expected to wrap up by mid-September 2026. BC Hydro says it thanks the community for its continued patience as these vital grid improvements progress.
Featured image: Even the local wildlife is curious about the construction happening at Dogwood Street and 16th Avenue. Photo by Melissa Lanyon
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