Drivers in Central Saanich will see a major traffic change this weekend, as the Keating Cross Road southbound on-ramp to Highway 17 is set to reopen earlier than previously expected.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit says the on-ramp will open to traffic starting the morning of Saturday, January 24th. The ramp connects Keating Cross Road to Highway 17, also known as the Pat Bay Highway.
The announcement comes as a surprise, as the ministry had previously indicated that construction on the southbound on-ramp could not resume until spring due to weather-related constraints.
While the on-ramp will be open, the ministry cautions that the area will remain an active construction zone. Short-term closures are expected in April to allow crews to complete remaining work on the project.
See also: Frustration grows as Keating Cross Road project pauses again due to weather
Drivers are being advised to follow posted signage and proceed with caution.
Just weeks ago, residents and businesses along Central Saanich Road were told the project was effectively paused until spring.
At the time, the ministry said dry, stable conditions were required to complete ramp connections and final paving, and that those conditions would not return until later in the season.
The delay had drawn growing frustration from residents living along detour routes, particularly on Central Saanich Road, where traffic volumes increased significantly after the northbound off-ramp opened in July.
Residents raised concerns about road safety, speeding, commercial truck traffic, and impacts near Keating Elementary School during peak hours.
In a written response issued earlier, the ministry said the remaining southbound work could not proceed until spring and projected full project completion in spring 2026.
The early opening of the southbound on-ramp is expected to immediately relieve pressure on nearby neighbourhoods and businesses that have been dealing with increased traffic for months.
The Keating Cross overpass project is valued at $76.8 million, with funding contributions from the Province, the federal government, and the District of Central Saanich.
More than 52,000 vehicles travel this section of Highway 17 daily, and the project was identified as a priority safety and traffic-flow improvement.
The ministry thanked drivers and area residents for their patience and said additional updates will be provided as final work on the project progresses.
