Wednesday June 8, 2022 | SAANICH, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
BC Transit has started the construction of upgrades to the UVic Transit Exchange near the campus bookstore.
The project on the University of Victoria campus was announced last year in partnership with the federal government ($1.8 million), the BC government ($1.7 million) and UVic ($1 million, in combination with BC Transit funds).
Construction is scheduled to be completed before the Fall 2022 semester begins. The exchange will be closed during construction, with the location of a temporary stop indicated.
Project support:
“Our government invests in public transit to support efficient, sustainable, and eco-responsible transportation and to improve connections between people and communities,” says Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
“This new exchange will improve service and accessibility and ensure students will have affordable, convenient, low-carbon transportation options,” says Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“These transit exchange upgrades will enhance the customer experience for riders travelling to and from UVic,” says BC Transit President and CEO, Erinn Pinkerton.
Construction details:
- The upgrade will see improvements to the north side of the existing exchange and also at bus stops along Ring Road. There will be refurbishment and enhancement of nine bus bays, six bus shelters and two layover bays.
- As part of the project, the surrounding pedestrian environment — including signage and wayfinding, will be improved along with the addition of new bicycle storage shelters.
- Bus pads and asphalt will be replaced and repaired.
- As well, sidewalks will be realign to improve sight lines for bus operators and pedestrians and reduce crossing times.
- Nine trees will be removed, but six new trees will be planted.
