The Highway 1 McKenzie Interchange project is now substantially complete.

The completed elements are already creating a safer, quicker and easier route between Victoria and the growing communities in the Westshore and beyond.

“The Trans-Canada Highway is a vital route for both residents and tourists. It connects people to school, work, as well as important attractions and services on Vancouver Island. Our investments in improved road safety also make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around whether they’re commuting or staying active,” said Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across Canada and builds stronger communities.”

With the recent opening of central components of the project, such as the McKenzie Avenue exit loop ramp and free-flowing traffic on Highway 1, people are experiencing shorter morning and afternoon commutes – especially those who live in Langford, Colwood and Sooke – and work in Victoria.

“The traffic congestion at this intersection had long been a source of frustration,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “People are now saving time on their commutes, and transit users and those who cycle are also benefiting from improvements made.”

The new interchange significantly improves safety and reduces traffic congestion for drivers, transit users, pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists and pedestrians are already benefiting from the new Galloping Goose Trail Bridge that crosses McKenzie Avenue, allowing people to choose active transportation for their commutes or recreation.

The dual right turn on-ramp from McKenzie Avenue to Highway 1 North has opened, reducing traffic congestion on McKenzie during peak periods. Bus priority lanes will soon be open, improving travel times for people using transit.

“On behalf of Langford residents, we are excited to see the substantial completion of the McKenzie Interchange project,” said Stew Young, mayor of Langford. “This project will significantly decrease commute times, allowing Langford residents to get home faster to spend more time with their families and loved ones.”

Previously, the Highway 1-McKenzie intersection had been the number 1 bottleneck in the province outside of the Lower Mainland. In December 2019, the Trans-Canada Highway opened to free-flow traffic, which dramatically cut down on the commute times for people. Now the partial cloverleaf designed loop ramp is complete, making this an even quicker and easier drive.

“We’re grateful for the continuous improvements the Province is making in our transportation infrastructure between Colwood and other areas of our region,” said Rob Martin, mayor of Colwood. “These improvements do more than move cars. They allow people to spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and enjoying other activities that promote well-being.”

The project also provides safety benefits for students at nearby schools, who no longer need to walk along the shoulder of the busy Trans-Canada Highway or cross the highway at a traffic signal to get to and from school.

Work on the stormwater treatment pond and final landscaping is continuing through the fall. People who travel through the intersection will still see active construction as the final pieces of the project are finished. Drivers are asked to continue to observe the direction of traffic control personnel and signage through the construction site.

Making investments to improve active transportation is part of the B.C. government’s Active Transportation Strategy, Move. Commute. Connect. The strategy supports the government’s commitment to ensure new bridges and interchanges are designed to make walking, cycling and transit safe and convenient. 

The strategy is part of CleanBC, a plan to help transform how people move around, while encouraging more active transportation in communities. CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure worker and public safety.

Quick Facts:

• The Highway 1 McKenzie Interchange Project is a grade-separated interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway at the intersection with Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue in Saanich. The project included:
  • construction of a new interchange at the intersection of Highway 1 and Admirals Road/McKenzie Avenue;
  • realignment and widening of the Galloping Goose Trail with a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge over McKenzie Avenue;
  • a new multi-use bridge over Highway 1 to link to the upgraded Galloping Goose Trail; and
  • upgraded transit facilities with dedicated transit lanes.
• The total cost of the Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie interchange is $96 million. The Government of Canada contributed over $32.6 million and the Government of British Columbia funded the remaining $63.3 million.

Learn More:

For more information about the Highway 1 McKenzie Interchange project, visit:
http://engage.gov.bc.ca/mckenzieinterchange/

For information on the Government of Canada’s New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component National and Regional Projects, visit:
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

For guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19, visit: http://ow.ly/P7WS50z8hNT

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, go to @DriveBC on Twitter or visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

CleanBC: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/