Those who travel along Highway 17 near Keating Cross Road in Central Saanich are being asked to plan ahead during their commutes as students head back to school on Tuesday.
The province’s Highway 17 Keating Crossroad Overpass project is well underway and traffic congestion is expected to increase along the detour near Keating Elementary School during school dropoff and pickup times.
Congestion along the detour is something residents in the area raised concerns about when the project started in May.
READ MORE: ‘It’s not the safest street’: Central Saanich residents concerned over traffic flow diversion
To ensure a smoother commute, the province is asking commuters to consider leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening when traffic is anticipated to lighten.
Those dropping off and picking up their children are also asked to give themselves extra time to account for delays.
Traffic control personnel, additional signage and an increased police presence will be in the area to remind people to drive with caution through the school zone.
The ministry and the District of Central Saanich say they will also monitor traffic in the area and take appropriate measures to further control congestion and improve safety where needed.
The province said in a release that while the primary focus of utility relocations and improvements will be during the summer months, pile-driving activities for the overpass structure is expected to run from September to November.
Night work is also expected to be in place for extended periods during the first year, allowing work to happen without causing daytime disruptions.
The ministry said it acknowledges this work can come with additional noise and light that residents are not used to and asks for patience during this time.
For the duration of the project, residents are asked to take extra care while driving through the area, obey all safety signage and to check DriveBC for up to day information on traffic conditions.
Mackenzie Read
