Work is now finished at the new roundabout on Highway 14 at Brownsey Boulevard in Sooke’s town centre, improving safety and mobility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The $9.1-million project delivered by O.K. Industries Ltd. of Saanichton included the new roundabout with improved crosswalks and lighting, as well as new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and additional road widening for cyclists and three resurfacing projects:

• East Sooke Road between Gillespie Road and Pike Road;
• Highway 14 between Otter Point and Church Road; and
• Highway 14 from Kangaroo Road east to the four-lane section which also included shoulder widening for cyclists.

“This Highway 14 roundabout means traffic will move more smoothly through this busy town and other upgrades will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. ”With continuous traffic movement and better crosswalks, sidewalks and lighting along the highway, this community will see better access through town and to the many shops and services in this area.”

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, attended the completion event on behalf of Stone. “The number of visitors to Sooke will grow as more people learn about the charms of the community. These substantial improvements will enhance safety for residents and travellers alike.”

(flickr.com)

“On behalf of Mayor Tait and council, I want to express our appreciation for the commitment to the project by Minister Stone and our past and present District of Sooke Council. This project would not have been completed without the dedication and hard work of the project management team, the ministry and district staff and project contractor, OK Paving Industries. We wish to further thank our local businesses and the patience of the travelling public throughout construction of a vital link through Sooke,” said acting mayor Kevin Pearson. “The completion of the Highway 14 and Sooke Town Centre improvements is very important for our community as they reduce GHG emissions, improve storm water quality, increase safety for all commuters and provide an inviting environment for residents.”

The roundabout project was a partnership between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the District of Sooke. The Province of British Columbia contributed $6 million and the District of Sooke contributed $3.1 million to the project.

Learn More:

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

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