Phase one of the Esquimalt Road All Ages and Abilities Bike Lanes and Underground Utilities Project is nearly complete, spanning between Lampson Street and Dominion Road.
As this initial phase nears completion, the Township of Esquimalt is looking towards the next step in the planned project.
Phase two of the project will see improved bike lanes installed and utility work undertaken along Esquimalt Road, spanning from Lampson Street to Fraser Street, and between Admirals Road and Canteen Road.
According to the Township, phase two will focus on enhancing comfort, accessibility and reliability for those traveling along the corridor, regardless of if they choose to walk, roll, cycle or drive.
“We want to make Esquimalt Road more comfortable, accessible and better connected for people of all ages and abilities, in alignment with the Township’s Active Transportation Network Plan,” said Joel Clary, Director of Engineering.
“We’re pairing these improvements with utility and pavement rehabilitation to save on costs, minimize future disruptions and streamline construction work.”
The Township says that phase two will connect many destinations within the region, including the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, CFB Esquimalt and homes west of Admirals Road.
Further, the project will see safety upgrades implemented at key intersections and crossings.
The full scope of the project’s next phase will include:
- Quick-build protected and buffered bike lanes
- New pedestrian and cyclist-activated flashing lights at select crossings
- New center two-way left-turn lanes west of Sturdee Street
- Traffic signal and street lighting upgrades at key locations
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Sanitary, storm and water utility upgrades
Along with the additional bike lanes being implemented, the Township will be doing an overhaul of how residents and visitors park their vehicles along the corridor.
Esquimalt staff analyzed existing parking types along the route, specifically looking at how spaces are utilized.
In doing this, they looked at nearby streets’ parking to identify opportunities to shift the parking supply to residential roads and increase turnover.
Because there will be parking losses along Esquimalt Road, the Township says they want to ensure there is space for those vehicles elsewhere.
A total of 69 on-street parking stalls are proposed to be removed along Esquimalt Road between Admirals Road and Canteen Road, and between Fraser Street and Lampson Street.
However, the Township noted that 56 new parking spaces were added in fall 2025 on nearby residential streets and in the town centre.
Those new spaces are just a five-minute walk from the town core.
Phase two of this project will cost the Township an estimated $4 million, which includes $3.5 million in capital spending, as well as $500,000 from development contributions.
All-in, 43% of the budget will go towards paving costs, while utility upgrades will account for 22%, crossings and signals will cost 20%, bike infrastructure will only account for 9% and pedestrian improvements are at 6%.
Esquimalt residents who wish to share their feedback on the project can do so in an online survey, available on the Township’s website. The survey closes on April 5th.
There is also an open house slated for March 31st, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre for those who want to learn more about the project.
Construction on phase two of the Esquimalt Road All Ages and Abilities Bike Lanes and Underground Utilities Project will begin this summer.
