More than 75% of the projects along Highway 14 announced in January by Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, are complete or nearing completion, with another major corridor upgrade to improve safety and reduce congestion just around the corner. 

“If you’ve driven this highway recently, you’ve likely noticed the new bus pull-outs, improved lighting and signage, and a rest area at Sombrio Beach that will open later this month,” said Premier Horgan. “But as I said back in January, this is just the start. We’ve now heard from daily commuters, transit users and cyclists, and I’m thrilled to soon announce the next major steps in improving this vital corridor.”

Less than a year after the Premier stood next to Highway 14 and announced a series of improvements and enhancements for the roadway, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is ready to start on the next phase of work.

The Sooke River Road intersection project will be posted to BC Bid in a short time, with construction expected to start in October. This project will increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists by improving access on and off the highway. Work will include sidewalk upgrades near and around Edward Milne Community school, to make the walk to and from school safer for students and teachers.

In January 2018, the Province announced the Highway 14 Corridor Improvement project. The overarching goal of this work is to improve safety for drivers, transit users, cyclists and pedestrians by reducing the number of crashes and making the highway more efficient for travellers.

“We are already seeing immediate improvements along this highway,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Highway upgrades have led to more efficient travel for commuters in the western communities. The ministry is looking forward to delivering the next phase of enhancements based on input from the community, and I thank everyone who took time to provide feedback.”

Highlights of the project schedule include:

• three new bus pull-outs on both sides of Highway 14 – completed
• new safety signs at three locations – completed
• a new rest area at Sombrio Beach – to be completed September 2018
• a slow-moving vehicle pullout east of Muir Creek – scheduled to be completed October 2018
• a new two-lane bridge on Gillespie Road – scheduled to be completed November 2018
• a bus-queue jump lane at Jacklin Road – construction to begin late 2018, scheduled for completion in spring 2019
• Sooke River Road intersection – construction to begin fall 2018, scheduled for completion in summer 2019

The Province recently completed a round of public engagement with the community, where ideas were shared on how to boost safety, reduce congestion and provide more efficient public transit.

One of the most frequent comments was the need for improved line painting. Since the engagement period, the ministry has enhanced paving markings between Langford and Sooke with double-width edge lines.

Other priorities from the community engagement process include:

• increased transit service
• better pedestrian access
• more roadside reflectors
• highway realignments
• additional passing lanes

The feedback provided during this consultation will be considered, along with technical, environmental, First Nations and financial information, as the ministry plans for future transportation initiatives along the corridor.

Learn More:

For an updated look at the project completion schedule announced in January 2018, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/hwy14-corridor/6366_highway_14_timeline.jpg

Full results from the community engagement process are available here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/hwy14-corridor/hwy-14-summary-report.pdf

For more information about Highway 14 corridor improvements, visit:
www.gov.bc.ca/highway14