A loose drainage cover on the Pat Bay Highway, directly beneath the new Keating Cross Road flyover, has left several drivers with costly vehicle damage.
The incidents happened as crews worked through final paving and traffic shifts on the multi-year project.
The Ministry of Transportation confirmed to Victoria Buzz that temporary lane markings, placed during recent work, directed vehicles directly over a catch basin cover.
As vehicles crossed the spot, the cover was repeatedly struck and eventually loosened.
The first incident happened on November 11th, and additional vehicle damage occurred again on November 20th and 22nd when traffic was shifted the same way a second time.
At least eight vehicles have been reported damaged so far.
The ministry apologized to affected drivers and says the project’s contractor, Flatiron Construction Canada, has been instructed to increase oversight immediately.
Traffic has now been adjusted to prevent vehicles from crossing the catch basin, and the contractor is monitoring the area closely.
“Just lost a tire to that this morning. At the shop now. Insanely dangerous and now I’m out hundreds plus damage to my new car,’ said Aidan Hinschberger during the second incident.
Many others took to social media waring others of the incident after they had experienced the same outcome as Hinschberger.
The issue comes near the end of the multi-year flyover project, which will separate Keating Cross Road traffic from the Pat Bay Highway. The province says that once construction is fully complete, drainage covers in the area will no longer be located inside travel lanes.
How drivers can seek compensation
Drivers whose vehicles were damaged by the loose cover can seek reimbursement through the provincial government.
The ministry recommends contacting an insurance provider first, as repairs can be completed immediately and insurers can pursue the claim on the owner’s behalf — including the deductible.
To file directly, drivers must provide the exact location of the incident, the time and date it occurred, a description of the damage and the total repair cost.
Claims are emailed after filling out a form found on the BC government website under Highway Related Claims.
The ministry says acknowledgment of a claim will be sent within 10 business days.
Claims are only paid if negligence is proven against the province or its contractor. The ministry has stated the catcher cover placement was the result of lane shifts during construction.
