Home News by Region Sooke Charters Road in Sooke is now open!

Charters Road in Sooke is now open!

District of Sooke encourages drivers to get back in the habit of using Charters as a cut-off from Highway 14.

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Charters Road in Sooke is now open with many improvements, Oct 30, 2024. [District of Sooke]
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Saturday November 2, 2024 | SOOKE, BC

by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends


The traffic backups on Highway 14 that made headline news have now been somewhat resolved.

Ever since some long-planned construction on Charters Road began in March there have been traffic congestion issues that really only became addressed in the last month or two.

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Since May 2024, there’s been roadside detour signage on Highway 14 regarding Charters Road, shown here on Sept 20, 2024. [Island Social Trends]

When the short cut was unavailable during roadwork construction there was a great deal of congestion that how now subsided, as Charters Road is open!

Charters Road was an unofficial cut-through from Highway 14 which had always eased up traffic flow on Highway 14. Now that Charters Road is open again the District of Sooke is encouraging people to use the improved Charters Road as their access to parts beyond the main highway.

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Westbound traffic backup on Highway 14 (Sooke Road) approaching Charters Road and town centre, Sept 20, 2024. [Mary P Brooke / Island Social Trends]

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to use Charters Road to alleviate traffic on Highway 14 and avoid delays at the Church Road light,” says the District of Sooke in a news release on October 30. That’s essentially setting things back to ‘normal’ on Highway 14 as the main access route in and out of Sooke.

Growing town still has traffic load:

There will still be heavy traffic to and from Sooke — it’s a one-way-in/one-way-out town fully dependent on Highway 14.

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Intersection of Highway 14 (Sooke Road) and Charters Road, on a sunny September 2024 afternoon. [Island Social Trends]

Around Halloween was the perfect timing for the District of Sooke to excitedly announced the substantial completion and opening of Charters Road “on time and on budget”. It was a bit of a trick (almost seems unreal given how long people have suffered with the traffic congestion) and certainly a treat (the cut-through is welcome by motorists and everyone who has been impacted by traffic backups on Highway 14 for most of this year).

“This is an exciting milestone in the project allowing for the initial opening and the end to all major construction of the road as finishing touches are completed,” it was stated in a District of Sooke Charters Road news release on the afternoon of October 30.

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New experience:

Along the upgraded Charters Road, people will experience a new roadway featuring a new water main and storm drain, sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, street lighting, and a new parking area to access local sports fields.

district of sooke, charters road
Charters Road in Sooke is now open with many improvements, Oct 30, 2024. [District of Sooke]

As of October 31 the initial opening also includes two-way vehicle and cycling usage.

Temporary measures on the sidewalks will be in place for pedestrians until the installation of permanent safety railings, lighting with final completion anticipated by the end of the year.

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On time and within budget:

“Delivering this project on time and within budget is an important milestone for our community,” said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.

“Charters Road is now a safer, more accessible route, and we’re excited to reopen it for everyone to enjoy,” said Tait. “This project reflects our commitment to improving infrastructure while being mindful of our budget and community needs.”

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Major road improvements to Charter Road in Sooke will be done during 2024. [District of Sooke / 2023]

Given the complexity and scope of the work, the on-time on-budget delivery is a testament to the District’s commitment to responsible project management, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively while delivering a critical infrastructure improvement for the community, as stated in a District of Sooke news release on October 30.

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Local commuters often turn right from Highway 14 onto Charters Road, to reach in-town destinations or beyond. [Google map]

The project was funded through a combination of the Growing Communities Fund ($1.3 million), development cost charges from the adjacent BC Housing project ($1.2 million), and reserve funds that are set aside annually for capital projects.

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Transportation: A Key Priority in the District’s Strategic Plan

The opening of Charters Road marks an important step in advancing the District’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which was adopted in October 2020. Other recent investments under this plan include Phase One of Church Road (from Highway 14 to Wadams Way), Phase One of Otter Point Road (from Highway 14 to Wadams Way), and the Church-Throup Road Roundabout.

maja tait, john horgan, highway 14
Hwy 14 road improvements announcement January 19, 2019 by Premier John Horgan in Sooke, introduced by Sooke Mayor Maja Tait. [Mary P Brooke / West Shore Voice News]

The District is also approaching the final design stages for key projects such as the Throup Road Connector and the Phillips Road Corridor.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, design efforts are underway for significant Highway 14 corridor improvements, including enhancements between the Sooke River Bridge and Church Road, as well as improvements around Idlemore Road near Saseenos Elementary.

church Rd, sooke rd, hwy 14
The day after a power outage caused by a vehicle incident at the intersection of Church Road and Sooke Road (Hwy 14) on the Goodmere Rd (south) side, Sept 20, 2024. [Mary P Brooke / Island Social Trends]

Looking ahead, the District is planning a mid-point review of the Transportation Master Plan in 2025.

Council’s Continued Advocacy for Transportation and Infrastructure Improvements

The reopening of Charters Road is part of a broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and road safety in Sooke. The District of Sooke Council continues to advocate for key initiatives, including:

  • Ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for further Highway 14 improvements, addressing congestion, safety, and connectivity challenges.
  • Advocating for a second bridge across the Sooke River and additional corridor improvements, ensuring these projects are included in the Ministry’s 10-year capital plan.
  • Securing infrastructure funding to complete the Transportation Master Plan, with a focus on transit improvements and reducing car dependency along Route 14.
  • Collaborating with BC Transit and the Ministry to expedite the implementation of the Sooke Local Area Transit Plan and advocating for increased transit services to better align with the community’s needs.
  • Engaging with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to explore new financial tools, such as Amenity Cost Charges, to fund necessary infrastructure and amenities to support Sooke’s growth.
  • Advocating for flexible funding mechanisms that align with Sooke’s unique needs.
  • Working with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, alongside School District 62, to ensure safe and accessible school sites, addressing access points and road safety, particularly along Highway 14.
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School District weighs in about Highway 14:

“The enhancements to Charters Road represent a significant step forward for our students and families,” says Sooke School District (SD62) chair Amanda Dowhy.

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Saseenos Elementary School fronts onto Highway 14. [Sept 2024 / Island Social Trends]

“This segment of road has long presented safety challenges for those walking and cycling to Journey Middle School and École Poirier Elementary due to limited visibility and lack of shoulder space for pedestrians,” said Dowhy in the municipality’s October 30 news release.

This project exemplifies the strong collaboration between the Sooke School District and the District of Sooke, reflecting our shared commitment to enhancing safe and active transportation routes within the community. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the District and their dedication to completing this project,” says Dowhy.

“The District remains committed to prioritizing transportation and infrastructure projects that support the community’s growth, safety, and sustainability,” it was stated in the October 30 district release.

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