Construction on Gorge Road safety improvements has begun. The project from Blanshard Street to Harriet Road includes protected bike lanes, road paving, bus stop and accessibility upgrades, new and upgraded crosswalks, traffic signal upgrades, right turn slip lane removal, landscaping and underground water main replacement.
“We know our residents are eager to have safer and more convenient ways to get around in Burnside Gorge,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “A more walkable street with additional crosswalks and dedicated space for people on bikes will make using the street more enjoyable, make it easier for folk to connect and add new life to the heart of the neighbourhood.”
The $13.2 million project is being built with $5.6 million of support from the Canada Community-Building Fund, which is administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
“Providing people with safer ways to navigate their communities is a top priority,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This project will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, transit-user comfort, and connections within Victoria’s active transportation network. We will continue to invest in communities to make them easier for Canadians to get around safely and to choose lower-emission modes of travel.”
This project was also a recipient of a B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant, which will contribute up to $500,000 to walking, cycling and rolling improvements along Gorge Road.
The project will expand the All Ages and Abilities cycling network by over two kilometres and improve safety for neighbourhood residents. It will also provide a key network connection to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, the Government Street protected bike lanes, the Kings and Haultain cycling routes and to future bike lanes planned on Gorge Road in Saanich. Five new crosswalks will give pedestrians more places to safely cross the street, and bus stop upgrades will provide better connections for people riding BC Transit.
“It’s great to see Victoria expanding its active transportation options even further and starting work on key safety improvements to the well-travelled Gorge Road route,” said Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Provincial active transportation funding supports safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and other users, and strengthens our communities for a greener future.”
During construction, all efforts will be made to minimize impacts to traffic, though drivers should be prepared for delays and choose alternate routes when possible. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2025.
To stay informed about construction progress and impacts, subscribe to Gorge Road email updates at victoria.ca/signup.
Media Contact:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca