Pat Bay Highway’s Keating Cross Road overpass project officially complete

Great news for those travelling the Pat Bay Highway.

The Keating Cross Road Overpass on Highway 17 is officially complete, according to the provincial government.

The Province announced the project’s completion on Tuesday, August 11th, saying the new infrastructure is intended to improve traffic flow and safety near the Keating business district in Central Saanich.

The flyover allows drivers to cross Highway 17 without turning left across highway traffic. Dedicated on-ramps and off-ramps have also been added to connect the highway with Keating Cross Road.

According to the government, approximately 52,000 vehicles travel through this section of Highway 17 each day, with traffic volumes exceeding 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods.

The project also included realigning the southbound on-ramp toward Victoria to provide drivers with more room to accelerate and merge onto the highway.

Other changes include bus-on-shoulder lanes intended to support potential future rapid transit, a widened section of Keating Cross Road and a new sidewalk outside the flyover structure.

Direct highway access at East Saanich Road, Martindale Road and Danica Place has also been closed as part of the project.

“The completion of the Keating Cross Road Overpass is a major milestone for Central Saanich,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor.

“The new connection improves access to the Keating business district, supports more efficient travel through the community and enhances safety for all road users.”

The project cost approximately $76.8 million. The Province contributed $57.6 million, the federal government provided $16.7 million and the District of Central Saanich contributed $2.5 million.

The overpass was identified as a priority in the South Island Transportation Strategy.