The main alternate route to Highway 14 is now safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, with the opening of a new two-lane bridge and paved shoulders on Gillespie Road at Roche Cove.

“The bridge is an important link for East Sooke and Metchosin residents and part of the emergency route when Highway 14 is closed,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “The old single-lane bridge was aging and slow for commuters. This new bridge will better serve the growing region and local residents.”

The bridge will open to traffic on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, replacing the old single-lane timber bridge built in 1928.

“The bridge will not only provide an alternative route for Highway 14, it will provide a first-class permanent connection for East Sooke residents. Absolutely fantastic,” said Mike Hicks, electoral area director for Juan de Fuca.

The work included:

• replacing the 30-metre, wooden single-lane bridge with a 65-metre, two-lane concrete bridge;
• dedicated paved shoulders for cyclists and pedestrians visiting nearby Roche Cove Regional Park;
• improved road alignment to allow for two-way traffic over the bridge; and
• an improved transit bus pull-out.

The $4.3-million project is part of the ongoing Highway 14 corridor improvements announced in January 2018. Corridor improvements include:

• three new bus pull-outs on both sides of Highway 14 – completed
• new safety signs at three locations – completed
• new rest area at Sombrio Beach – completed
• highway line painting – completed
• slow-moving vehicle pull-out east of Muir Creek – completed
• improved intersection at Sooke River Road – construction started in November 2018 and is scheduled for completion by summer 2019
• bus-queue jump lane at Jacklin Road – construction scheduled to begin early in 2019 and scheduled for completion by spring 2019

Minor traffic delays are expected to occur in early 2019 as crews remove the old bridge and complete additional paving and barrier work.

The ministry thanks residents of East Sooke, Sooke and Metchosin for their patience during the construction process.

Learn More:

Highway 14 – corridor improvements:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/highway-14