Construction of the Keating Cross Road overpass is slated to begin this week, and as a result, traffic changes are coming.
In June of last year, the BC government confirmed its commitment of $57.6 million to the Highway 17 Keating Cross Overpass project, which has a total budget of $76.8 million.
As per the province’s plans, the northbound left turn onto Keating Cross Road from the Pat Bay Highway will be replaced with a flyover overpass. This alteration aims to enhance access, minimize traffic delays, and eliminate the necessity of turning across highway traffic.
The major project will also see the following enhancements:
- Installation of bus-on-shoulder facilities that support future plans for bus rapid transit on the Patricia Bay Highway
- Realignment of the southbound on-ramp to Victoria to make it safer for drivers getting onto the highway
- Widening of Keating Cross Road and construction of a new sidewalk on one side to support active transportation, such as biking or walking
In a media release Tuesday, the province traffic-pattern changes will be in effect on Highway 17 near Keating Cross Road starting June 1st, in preparation of the construction.
Access to Martindale Road from Highway 17 will be permanently closed as of June 8th, with access available from Gliddon Road.
The southbound on-ramp from Keating Cross Road to Highway 17 will be closed from June 3rd through the construction period.
Drivers will access the highway via a detour from Central Saanich Road to Tanner Road, and truck traffic will be detoured to Central Saanich Road along the existing truck route.
Nightly lane closures in each direction along Highway 17 between Tanner Road and Island View Road will begin on June 1st, resulting in single-lane traffic from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. until summer of 2024.
Overpass construction is expected to start in the coming weeks, and additional construction updates are expected as the project gets underway.
The province says the project will also prompt closures on Highway 17 at East Saanich Road, Martindale Road and Danica Place “to improve safety for all travellers.”
In a statement last year, Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor echoes Fleming, saying district council is “immensely pleased that this safety improvement is around the corner for residents, businesses and peninsula visitors.”
“Council appreciates the recent provincial investments in Central Saanich, and we look forward to celebrating the elimination of the left turn across the highway,” added Windsor.
If you’re wondering what your future commute could look like on the Pat Bay Highway, check out these 3D video renderings:
Keating Cross Overpass Keating WB
Keating Cross Overpass Keating EB
Keating Cross Overpass Flyover
Keating Cross Overpass Hwy 17 SB
Keating Cross Overpass Hwy 17 NB
