Relief is coming for people in the Capital Regional District now that the B.C. government has issued the construction tender to extend the northbound bus lane along the busy Douglas Street corridor from Tolmie Avenue to the Burnside Bridge.

The Province’s tender for the northbound bus lane follows on the heels of the City of Victoria issuing their tender for the southbound priority bus and bike lane along Douglas Street from Tolmie to Hillside Avenue.

While a portion of the project (Tolmie Avenue to Saanich Road) was originally tendered in February 2017, the ministry made the decision to hold and issue a larger, combined tender for the full lane extension from Tolmie Avenue to the Burnside Bridge in order to attract more competitive bids and provide better value for British Columbians.

The tender is now posted on BC Bid with targeted completion for fall 2018 and an estimated project cost of $12.75 million, with the Province contributing $8.125 million and the Government of Canada providing up to $4.625 million under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

The B.C. government will continue to work with municipal partners on implementing solutions in response to the region’s growing transportation needs. Analysis is being conducted by the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, City of Colwood and the Town of View Royal on the possibility of priority bus lanes from Goldstream Avenue to the Trans-Canada Highway on-ramp, in addition to other rapid-transit enhancements.

Quotes:

Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“We know that traffic congestion is a major concern for people in the Capital Regional District and particularly those in the fast growing western communities. Prioritizing funds for bus lanes that will allow buses to bypass cars sitting in traffic will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and choose the faster, greener option.”

Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake –

“Reliable, affordable public transit is key to getting people moving with greater ease in the CRD.”

Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin –

“We are listening to people’s concerns and ideas and are committed to bringing in the right solutions to clear up the traffic congestion in our region.”

Manuel Achadinha, president and CEO of BC Transit –

“Greater Victoria’s priority bus and bike lanes are critical to supporting a more effective and efficient transit system. These lanes are designed to increase the reliability of public transit, making it the preferred choice of today’s commuters.”