An overpass at Keating Cross on the Pat Bay Highway in Central Saanich is expected to begin soon, after the B.C. government awarded the $54.5 million contract.
FlatIron Constructors Canada Limited out of Richmond is the company handling the project, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says work should begin in the coming weeks.
“Once complete, the overpass project will help local businesses stay competitive while improving safety and efficiency for Highway 17 users,” said Harjit Sajjan, federal Minister of International Development in a news release. “We will continue to invest in projects that strengthen our economy and connect Canadians to essential goods and services.”
This project is designed to make it safer for vehicles turning left off the highway onto Keating Cross Road. As part of construction, Keating Cross Road will also be widened and there will be a new sidewalk installed.
Highway 17 will also be widened with enough width for future bus-on-shoulder facilities to support the eventual expansion of the rapid bus, and the southbound on-ramp will be re-aligned.
“This overpass will provide a critical connection between Highway 17 and Keating Cross Road, improving safety and accessibility for commuters, travellers and businesses in this growing region,” said Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“The new overpass will eliminate the need for a dangerous turn across oncoming highway traffic, support future bus rapid transit and promote economic growth in and around the Keating business district, one of the region’s most important and fastest-growing job centres.”
The total budget for the project is $76.8 million, with the provincial government contributing $57.6 million, the federal government contributing $16.7 million through the New Building Canada Fund, and other partners including Central Saanich contributing the remaining $2.5 million.
“We look forward to the start of construction and to working with the Province on ensuring minimal disruption to the residents of the peninsula while this important project is underway,” said Ryan Windsor, mayor, Central Saanich.
“The district and council also appreciate efforts to keep the municipal portion to the agreed-upon amount of $2.5 million, and we will eagerly anticipate the safety improvements this will bring to the Keating area and all of Central Saanich.”
Laura Brougham
