For bus-commuters travelling between Victoria and Westshore communities, transit will soon be faster and more reliable due to the expansion of bus lanes.
Specifically, along the Trans-Canada Highway, the bus lane will be expanded, allowing uninterrupted travel, with no traffic to deal with.
This initiative is called the Bus-On-Shoulder-Lanes project which will see nearly four kilometres of highway between the McKenzie and Colwood interchanges widened in order to accommodate continuous northbound and southbound bus-on-shoulder lanes.
Not only will this make travel time much faster for bus-communters, but motorists will have slightly less congestion to deal with in their own commutes.
Additionally, the project will include a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge for the Galloping Goose Trail crossing at Craigflower Creek, increased ecological restoration works, upgraded bus stops at Helmcken Road, realignments to Portage Road as well as ramps and roadside barriers along the route.
“We know everyone needs a commute they can count on to and from work, home and school – especially between our busy south Island communities,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit.
“Dedicated bus lanes make travel easier for everyone on the road and will make transit the obvious choice. This project is another way we’re making our highways sustainable for years to come.”
On Wednesday, December 18th, the Province announced that the contract for this work has been awarded to Jacob Bros. Construction.
Jacob Bros. Construction will complete the project for $54.5 million with construction set to begin in early 2025.
The Province says the project is expected to be complete by late fall 2027.
