As students return back to schools throughout the region, BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure warns motorists to expect delays at the Keating Cross Road exit off the Pat Bay Highway.
The Province says that detours are encouraged to plan ahead for high traffic volumes near Keating Cross Road and the Highway 17 overpass because school is officially back in session as of Tuesday, September 3rd.
“Traffic congestion is expected along Central Saanich Road and Saanich Crossing Road, near Keating Elementary school, during morning and afternoon child dropoff and pickup periods,” the Province said in a media release.
“For the smoothest journey, commuters who can are encouraged to leave earlier in the morning or in the evening when traffic is anticipated to be lighter.”
Parents and people dropping off or picking up children are being urged to plan their journeys with extra time to account for delays.
The Province says that additional signage, traffic-management personnel and enforcement will be on hand to help mitigate traffic issues.
“Drivers are reminded to drive to conditions and observe directions from traffic-management personnel and signage in the area,” the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure added.
Up-to-date information about road conditions and delays can be found online, as construction continues on the new Keating Cross Road overpass.
In late August, ICBC released annual statistics of the number of children who are injured and killed on their way to school due to vehicular incidents.
Related:
- Police in Greater Victoria to be in ‘full-force’ enforcing school zone safety (VIDEO)
- Nearly 360 children injured by vehicles every year in BC on their way to school: ICBC
According to ICBC, every year in BC, around 359 children are injured in crashes while walking or riding their bike.
Additionally, in school and playground zones, 51 children are injured in crashes annually.
On Vancouver Island, ICBC says that two children walking or cycling are killed, 47 are injured and seven children are injured while in school or playground zones.
Approximately six of these injuries take place in Victoria.
