Bridge closure leads to morning and afternoon traffic delays in Vic West and Esquimalt

On May 22, 2019, there were no quick ways out of Victoria West, with even Harbour Road seeing a traffic jam. (Megan Thomas/CBC)

Commuters leaving Esquimalt and Vic West saw traffic jams in the morning and afternoon Wednesday due to the eastbound lane closure on the Bay Street bridge.

The Bay Street bridge (officially the Point Ellice Bridge) is closed to eastbound traffic from May 21 until approximately the end of October due to construction. Pedestrian and wheelchair access is open at all times but eastbound cyclists have to dismount and walk their bikes across with pedestrians.

The move has led to criticism from local business owners who are concerned about the disruption.

The City of Victoria said traffic signals at the Johnson Street Bridge were being adjusted to deal with the increase in traffic going west.

In the morning at around 8:30 a.m., drivers were reporting traffic had backed up on Tyee Road, Skinner Street and Esquimalt Road. There were reports that BC Transit buses experienced major delays.

By the afternoon at around 4 p.m., drivers were reporting delays on every road in Victoria West and Esquimalt, including Harbour Road.

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