The project to widen the Trans Canada Highway near Langford is proceeding ahead of schedule, according to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
In an update on Wednesday, the ministry announced that upgrades to the highway between Leigh Road and West Shore Parkway are now 50 per cent complete.
“There were too many accidents occurring on this stretch of road and our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones,” said Minister Claire Trevena in a statement.
“This joint project with the federal government will make important improvements in safety for those driving through the corridor.”
These improvements include widening the road to four lanes with median barrier separation and improved roadside protections, thereby adding a new northbound through lane at the West Shore Parkway intersection.
So far, workers have finished blasting rock bluffs along the project site to improve sight lines, and have removed soft soil to help make the road safer near the Leigh Road interchange northbound highway on-ramp.
The next phase of work includes building storm drainage and culverts, placing a gravel road base and installing electrical fixtures.
Workers will also be paving the road between early August and September.
While construction is ongoing, drivers are reminded to continue following the directions of traffic control personnel and, when in place, obey the construction zone speed limit of 60 km/h.
This project began in September 2019 and is now slated for completion before summer 2021.
