Drivers in the Sooke area will soon have an easier time getting around, as the provincial government announced it would start construction on a new two-lane bridge next week on Gillespie Road at Roche Cove.
“A new bridge at Roche Cove has been a long time coming, with more and more traffic coming to our growing region,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca on Tuesday.
“It’s frustrating and inefficient to wait and take turns on the old one-way bridge, and unsafe for the drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who use this crossing.”
The single-lane timber bridge currently in place will be replaced by a two-lane concrete bridge, with 1.5-metre paved shoulders for pedestrian and cyclist use.
The existing bridge was built in 1928. The new bridge is expected to open in fall 2018.
“Constructing a new, wider bridge ensures traffic can flow safely and effectively as people travel to, from, and within Sooke,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Travellers should expect some delays of up to 20 minutes Mondays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to accommodate rock blasting. There will also be a small number of full-day closures advertised in advance, with a detour via Kangaroo Road and East Sooke Road.
