Drivers are advised that the southbound left turn onto Carey Road, along Douglas Street/Highway 1, will be permanently closed as of June 10, 2018.

The closure will make way for the new northbound bus lane, and will improve traffic flow.

Construction of the Douglas Street bus lane is ongoing, with completion expected later in fall 2018. Once complete, Carey Road will function as a right-in/right-out turn for northbound traffic. The Saanich Road intersection will be upgraded for enhanced safety, with two signalized turning lanes for southbound traffic along Douglas Street.

These changes are part of the Province’s plan to address traffic congestion in the Capital Regional District. Dedicated bus lanes enable faster, efficient public transit and help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

The Douglas Street/Highway 1 corridor is one of the busiest commuter routes in the city. It currently supports as many as 1,700 vehicles per hour during peak travel times. At the same time, BC Transit buses move 40% of the people taking this route during peak hours, while only making up 3% of the traffic.

The northbound Douglas Street bus lane extension, from Tolmie Avenue to the Burnside Bridge, is expected to be complete this fall for a total cost of $14.2 million. The Province is contributing $9.575 million, and the Government of Canada providing up to $4.625 million under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.