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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
===== RELATED:
- Throup in Sooke: small road, big politics (June 22, 2024)
- Sooke Traffic: portion of Charters Rd closed May to Oct 2024 (May 27, 2024)
- Active transportation grants celebrated in Sooke & west shore (March 25, 2024)
- SOOKE TRAFFIC: Church/Throup roundabout roadworks Nov 28 to 30 (November 28, 2023)
- New four-lane section of Highway 14 now open (July 14, 2023)
- Highway 14 upgrade at Connie Rd & Glinz Lake Rd continues to Fall 2022 (July 22, 2022)
NEWS SECTIONS: SOOKE | TRANSPORTATION | VANCOUVER ISLAND | SD62 SCHOOLS