People are now walking and cycling over the new Galloping Goose Trail bridge that crosses McKenzie Avenue.

“Highway 1, at McKenzie/Admirals, is one of the Capital Regional District’s busiest intersections — not just for cars, but also for the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians every hour on the Galloping Goose at peak times,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Smart investments like these make alternative modes of transportation more attractive, help reduce congestion, and support people who choose greener transportation by making it safer to use the trail with a separated crossing over McKenzie.”

Crews will continue to work on the trail and connections over the coming months. Users of the Galloping Goose are asked to use caution, stay within the temporary fencing, obey all signs and watch for workers. Ongoing work includes widening and realigning more sections of the pathway, constructing sound walls, preparing for paving and installing lighting, signs and permanent fencing.

“It’s exciting to see various pieces of the puzzle come together when it comes to greening and modernizing our transportation systems,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “Investing in safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and choose healthier, more sustainable modes of transportation, especially as the western communities continue to grow.”

“The Galloping Goose Trail bridge is a highly anticipated and welcomed addition to the community,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “Smart infrastructure investments like this get people moving quickly and safely, and I am so pleased to see it open for the spring.”

The new bridge is 5.6-metres wide. The trail is being widened to a minimum of five metres throughout the project, with some sections as wide as six metres. A new overpass will also be constructed over the highway at a new location that improves connections for pedestrians and transit users.

These upgrades to the Galloping Goose Trail are part of the $85-million McKenzie interchange project, cost-shared by the governments of Canada and B.C., which is under construction to address safety and congestion along the busiest traffic corridor in the Capital Regional District.