Highway 14 construction enters final phase in Sooke

The Highway 14 construction project between Connie Road and Glinz Lake Road in Sooke has reached a milestone, with drivers now being able to access improved lanes, exit ramps, and an underpass leading to secondary roads.

The $85.7-million project began in 2020 to serve a growing population, with improved road safety and public transportation top priorities. Once complete, the revamped project will see four lanes along the road and bus stops, plus a Park & Ride.

“The end is in sight, and my belief is that they will have it done by the early fall and you know that’s a good thing,” said Al Beddows, Deputy Mayor for the District of Sooke.

Previously, traffic was limited to just two lanes. For traffic to access secondary roads such as Gillespie Road or businesses like the 17 Mile Pub, drivers were faced with difficult winding roads.

“There was [sic] lives lost in this section, it has its history in that form, and I often think people that come out here for the first time, they feel at times they’re on a logging road, not sure if they’ve missed the turn to Sooke,” said Doug Wittich, a longtime resident of Sooke.

Beddows says this change won’t only help residents who commute to and from work. He expects tourists will have an easier time driving to the area as well.

“During COVID, a lot of people discovered the Southern West Coast through Sooke,” said the Deputy Mayor. “When COVID ended, the people were still coming out here because they found another area they could recreate without having to travel across Canada.”

Beddows says the District of Sooke is now eyeing changes on how traffic enters the downtown core to reduce backed-up traffic.

At the moment, there are only two improved lanes that drivers can use. Traffic heading westbound will need to use the new Gillespie connector, which passes under the new highway structure to access Gillespie Road, secondary roads, and certain businesses.

The project is expected to wrap up this fall.

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