Thursday September 19, 2024 | SOOKE, BC [Updated 10:22 am & 10:49 am & 3:11 pm & 3:35 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Two motor vehicle incidents this morning — happening within a few minutes of each other — has impacted the intersection of Church Road and Highway 14 (aka Sooke Road).
Weather conditions were foggy this morning, according to one local source.
The power-outage aspect of the incident happened at 6:04 am according to BC Hydro. At first 6,051 BC Hydro customers were without power, according to the District of Sooke (though the BC Hydro site shows 638 + 166 across two locations).
The number of BC Hydro customers without power went down to 166 by 10 am, as BC Hydro restored electricity service for most of the impacted customers.
The District of Sooke released an adivsory at 9 am this morning.
- As of 9 am, Highway 14 was open in both directions
- Area schools are open (there are three elementary schools and one secondary school that front onto Highway 14).
- One individual has been transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
BC Hydro was on the scene this morning and expected to have power restored by 2 pm. However, all power was restored by 11:01 am, after replacement of a power pole.
Traffic impact:
Reliance on Highway 14 as the one road in-and-out of Sooke remains a concern, with a situation like today reinforcing the point.
For a few hours, Church Road is closed but Highway 14 remains open.
The Church Road / Sooke Road intersection is a main gateway to the central town area upon arriving westbound into Sooke on Highway 14. There is a gas station at that corner, and the RCMP detachment nearby. There is a residential condo building across the way, and other housing on Church Road and beyond.
Alternate access from Highway 14 into town includes Anna Marie Road and Townsend Road, both of which lead to Wadams Way.
This situation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Schools and highway reliance:
Elementary schools relying on direct access/egress along Highway 14 are John Muir Elementary, Sooke Elementary and Saseenos Elementary. Edward Milne Community School (high school) is somewhat set back from Highway 14 but still requires highway availability.
===== RELATED:
Why do Sookies still complain about Highway 14? (September 15, 2024)
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