The District of Sooke has announced the reopening of Charters Road is on time and on budget with most construction now being complete and the road being open to two-way traffic.
Work conducted on this corridor included redoing the roadway’’s surface as well as installing a new water main, a new storm drain, sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, street lighting, and a new parking area to access local sports fields.
The final touches, which will be completed in the coming months, will include the installation of permanent safety railings and lighting.
Sooke says the project’s final completion is anticipated by the end of the year.
“Delivering this project on time and within budget is an important milestone for our community,” said Mayor Maya Tait
“Charters Road is now a safer, more accessible route, and we’re excited to reopen it for everyone to enjoy.”
The District says that keeping this project on time and on budget was complex, given the scope of the work.
The Charters Road project was funded through the Growing Communities Fund, which contributed $1.3 million, the adjacent BC Housing project cho provided $1.2 million and reserve funds that are set aside annually for capital projects.
Now that this major project is complete, the District is planning a review of their Transportation Master Plan in 2025.
According to the Chair of the Sooke School District Board of Education, Amanda Dowhy, this project is important to increase safety for students and parents in the region.
“The enhancements to Charters Road represent a significant step forward for our students and families,” said Dowhy.
“This segment of road has long presented safety challenges for those walking and cycling to Journey Middle School and École Poirier Elementary due to limited visibility and lack of shoulder space for pedestrians.”
The bike lanes will allow students to access school safely, without having to be worried about collisions with vehicles.
Additionally, the reopening of Charters Road will help with local traffic congestion because drivers will have the opportunity to turn off Highway 14 before reaching the traffic light at Church Road.
The District hopes this will reduce delays at the intersection for both traffic turning right onto Church and those continuing on Highway 14.
