Fall is a busy time of year, especially for those with children returning to school on Tuesday, September 5th.
Both Central Saanich Police and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure released statements regarding the continuing construction of the Highway 17 Keating Crossroad Overpass project, and the extra precautions both workers and drivers should take.
With the expected increase in traffic and reduced speeds, people travelling along Pat Bay Highway (Highway 17) near Keating Cross Road are encouraged to plan ahead for higher traffic volumes.
It is estimated that traffic congestion along the detour near the Keating Elementary School during child drop-off and pick-up periods will be especially busy—not only because of the overpass project, but other simultaneous construction projects as well.
In addition to the overpass construction, the District of Central Saanich has announced the addition of a new crosswalk on Tanner Road at Robin Road as well as the installation of new sidewalks near Keating Elementary.
The BC government also stated that traffic-control personnel, additional signage, and an increased police presence will be in the area to remind people to drive with caution while travelling through school zones.
The ministry and the District of Central Saanich will monitor traffic as congestion increases and they will implement any needed measures to further control congestion and improve safety.
The Highway 17 Keating Crossroad Overpass project began in July 2023, and they are on course to begin pile-driving for the overpass structure in September and through November.
In order to remain on schedule, night work on the project will be extended to enable the contractors to work as quickly as possible without disrupting daytime traffic.
