Tuesday July 4, 2023 | CENTRAL SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Highway 17 – Keating Cross Road Overpass Project was officially launched today, July 4.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming noted the many benefits of getting the major highway infrastructure project. First and foremost is safety of highway drivers as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
But of course he highlighted the importance of Highway 17 (Pat Bay Highway) to commerce, commuters and visitors who travel to and from the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay and the Victoria International Airport.
Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor commented about the economic impact of the project to the Saanich Peninsula region.
Central Saanich Fire Chief Kenn Mount also delivered some remarks about the safety improvement aspects of eliminating an at-grade left turn across a busy provincial highway. That includes the safety of his own crew when attending to an emergency scene at that location.
The project budget is $76.8 million, including the provincial contribution of $57.6 million. The Government of Canada is contributing $16.7 million and the District of Central Saanich will provide $2.5 million.
Construction and traffic:
Minister Fleming noted today that construction is slower on an active roadway where through-traffic continues, but that safety is a top concern.
- The southbound on-ramp from Keating Cross Road to Highway 17 is closed, and will remain closed throughout the construction period.
- Passenger traffic will access the highway via a detour from Central Saanich Road to Tanner Road.
- Commercial traffic and tour buses will be detoured to Central Saanich Road along the existing truck route.
- Access to Martindale Road from Highway 17 is permanently closed, with access available from Gliddon Road.
Night work is expected to be in place for extended periods during the first year of construction.
Read the full news release here for more construction and traffic details.
===== Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Links:
Highway 17 Keating Cross Overpass Project: https://gov.bc.ca/keatingoverpass
South Island Transportation Strategy: https://gov.bc.ca/southislandtransportationstrategy