Work has begun on $9.1 million worth of highway improvements that will benefit drivers, cyclists and pedestrians along Highway 14 in and around Sooke as part of a partnership between the Province and the District of Sooke.

“This is a key project in B.C. on the Move because it puts a number of priorities from the plan into action, including safety improvements at intersections, rehabilitation of provincial highways and side roads, investments in cycling, and partnerships with local communities,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “As a result of this work, the corridor will be safer for all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in the region.” 

The investment includes $6 million from the Province for resurfacing projects in the Sooke area and a contribution to a new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 14 and Brownsey Boulevard. The District of Sooke is contributing $3.1 million towards the roundabout that will improve safety as the busy intersection. Work will also include improved crosswalks and lighting as well as new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and a new shoulder bike lane that will be built between Otter Point and Townsend Rd and between the roundabout and Church Road.

“Today, we have shovels in the ground at the future site of the new roundabout on Highway 14 in Sooke’s town centre,” said MLA for Comox Valley Don McRae. “This is a crucial intersection through the Sooke Town Centre on Highway 14 - a corridor which links communities to Sooke and onward to other Vancouver Island communities.”

The balance of the provincial funding will go towards three resurfacing projects in the Sooke area. Highway 14 from Kangaroo Road east to the four-lane section will be repaved and the shoulders will be widened to 1.5 metres and paved to accommodate cyclists. As well, paving will occur on Highway 14 between Otter Point and Church Road, and East Sooke Road between Gillespie Road and Pike Road will be re-surfaced.

“For several years, the District of Sooke has worked towards the creation of a vibrant town centre and over the next several months this vision will evolve into reality,“ said District of Sooke Mayor Maja Tait. “By partnering with the Province, the long-awaited and much-needed Highway 14 improvements in the town centre will significantly improve safety for residents living in this area and for visitors enjoying this scenic part of Sooke.”

Construction officially began today at a ground-breaking ceremony, and will be completed in fall 2015. During construction, detailed traffic advisories will be available and drivers are also advised to expect delays and are encouraged to check www.DriveBC.ca for current conditions. 

Quick Facts:

• Through B.C. on the Move, the Province is investing $30 million over the next three years in intersection safety improvements in communities throughout B.C.
• Rehabilitation of provincial highways and side roads is a major component of B.C. on the Move. The Province will invest $380 million over the next three years to resurface provincial highways, with 1,000 kilometres resurfaced annually.
• During the Province’s public engagement for B.C. on the Move in fall 2014, 95% of the almost 13,000 survey respondents agreed that keeping existing highways, bridges and side roads in good condition was important.

Learn More:

Additional project details are available at: http://sooke.ca/projects/highway14/

How to use roundabouts: http://tranbc.ca/2012/07/20/right-right-and-you-will-be-alright-on-roundabouts/

B.C. on the Move can be found online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: http://www.tranbc.ca

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241