Construction to begin on second phase of Esquimalt Road protected bike lanes

The Township of Esquimalt has announced that construction will soon begin the second phase of the Esquimalt Road Active Transportation and Infrastructure Project. 

For this phase of the project, construction work will take place along Esquimalt Road, from Lampson Street to Fraser Street and Admirals Road to Canteen Road. 

A third and final phase of the project will be completed down the road to connect these two stretches of the corridor. 

This project will see the following work done along Esquimalt Road:

• Sanitary, storm and water utility upgrades
• Refreshed pavement
• Quick-build protected and buffered bike lanes
• New crosswalk flashing lights for pedestrians and cyclists
• Lighting and traffic signal upgrades
• Water infrastructure improvements in partnership with the City of Victoria

The Township says that this phase will be building on previous community engagement, with a focus on upgrading important aging underground infrastructure while enhancing comfort and accessibility along the corridor. 

By pairing utility and road work with bike lane upgrades, the Township says it will minimize future disruptions, help save on costs and streamline construction work.

This project will cost around $3.75 million from Esquimalt’s capital budget, which has been offset by $500,000 from development contributions and $484,000 from the City of Victoria for their water infrastructure upgrades. 

The Township says that paving costs will account for 50% of the costs, utility upgrades at 15%, crossings and signals at 22%, bike lane infrastructure at 8% and pedestrian improvements at 5%. 

Construction is slated to take place until early fall with periodic travel disruptions.