After just over two years of construction, a long-awaited infrastructure project in Central Saanich is finally set to open next week.
The new northbound flyover connecting Patr Bay Highway (Highway 17) to Keating Cross Road will officially open to traffic on Monday, July 28th, offering a major improvement to safety and traffic flow for the busy Saanich Peninsula corridor.
The project eliminates the hazardous left turn onto the highway, which has long been a point of concern for both commuters and commercial drivers.
The flyover is expected to ease congestion and reduce collisions in an area that sees more than 52,000 vehicles daily, with peak times reaching over 4,000 vehicles per hour.
“People driving through this region need to be able to count on safe and smooth travel when they’re heading to their homes, work, the airport or ferries,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit.
“Opening the Keating Cross Road flyover means we’ve removed a dangerous left turn and have made travel safer for families, commuters, tourists and commercial transport drivers who rely on this corridor every day.”
The traffic changeover will happen overnight Sunday, July 27th. As of midnight, drivers travelling northbound on Highway 17 to Keating Cross Road must use the right travel lane and take Exit 18 onto the flyover.
The left-turn lane and turning bay previously used to get to Keating Cross Road will be permanently closed.
While the flyover opening marks a major milestone, work on the broader project will continue through summer and wrap up in the fall.
Remaining work includes paving the southbound on-ramp toward Victoria, drainage upgrades, and landscaping. A new sidewalk will also be added along Keating Cross Road to boost pedestrian safety and prepare the corridor for future bus rapid transit service.
“This investment makes travel on this busy corridor safer and more reliable for families, commuters and commercial drivers,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “It also strengthens ties to our local business community and supports the region’s growth well into the future.”
The $76.8 million project was funded by all three levels of government, with the Province contributing $57.6 million, the federal government adding $16.7 million, and the District of Central Saanich contributing $2.5 million.
“Drivers and pedestrians in Central Saanich will benefit from improved safety and better access to the region,” said Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria.
“Our government is proud to invest in projects that support local public transit and make life easier and safer for all Canadians.”
The flyover also serves as a vital connection to the Keating Business District, a hub for industry and employment in the area.
“This has been a long-standing priority for our community,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “We’re grateful to the provincial and federal governments for recognizing its importance and we’re thrilled to see the flyover opening.”
