Investing in modern transportation infrastructure is critical to connecting communities, helping businesses compete, and creating a strong economy and middle class.

Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on behalf of Claire Trevena, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, have announced funding for a project to improve the Highway 17 corridor and create a new overpass at Keating Cross Road in Central Saanich.

The project involves a new flyover overpass from the Patricia Bay Highway (Highway 17) northbound to Keating Cross Road westbound, eliminating the left turn across highway traffic onto Keating Cross Road. The project will also include a realigned southbound on-ramp to Victoria.

These upgrades will allow vehicles to travel this busy corridor more safely and efficiently, helping keep local businesses competitive and promote regional economic growth.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $16 million in this project through the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—National and Regional Projects, while the District of Central Saanich is contributing $2.5 million. The provincial government’s contribution for the project is pending Treasury Board approval.

Quotes:

Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities –

“These improvements to Highway 17 will greatly alleviate the chronic congestion issues people experience daily on this busy regional transportation route. Creating more vehicle capacity and smoother traffic flow will allow people to spend less time on the road and more time at their destinations, supporting economic activity and a higher quality of life.”

Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on behalf of Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“A new overpass will greatly improve safety at this busy intersection and will help prevent collisions. Our government looks forward to working with our federal partners and the District of Central Saanich as we launch the first phase of this important project.”

Quick Facts:

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• More than $10.1 billion of this funding is supporting trade and transportation projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Learn More:

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/bc-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html