Summary

• One new bus-on-shoulder lane is open in each direction on Highway 1 at the Colquitz River Bridges
• New bus-on-shoulder lanes aim to improve travel times for commuters through a key corridor by removing a major pinch point for people travelling between the Westshore and downtown Victoria
• More than 300 buses a day cross the Colquitz River Bridges, which carry thousands of transit riders

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New bus-on-shoulder lanes are open on the Colquitz River Bridges over Burnside Road in Saanich, helping people using public transit get around more quickly.

“These new bus-on-shoulder lanes on the Colquitz River Bridges along Highway 1 will help keep buses moving reliably through busy traffic and improve travel times for commuters during peak hours,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “With construction of this portion of the project complete, people will notice a smoother, faster commute right away.”

Keeping public transit moving faster

The new bus-on-shoulder lanes allow buses to bypass congestion at a key pinch point, helping transit riders get through the corridor faster during peak travel periods.

“The new bus-on-shoulder lanes at the Colquitz River Bridges will make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” said Stephanie McLean, MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke and federal Secretary of State (Seniors). “This work will save commuters time and support more sustainable transportation choices. Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports long-term growth.”

The new lanes create a more continuous transit corridor between the existing transit lanes along Douglas Street and Highway 1 and the McKenzie Interchange. The lanes will also connect to the future Highway 1 bus-on-shoulder project that is under construction between the McKenzie Interchange and Colwood. It is expected to be finished in 2027.

“The opening of a bus-on-shoulder lane across the Colquitz Bridges is an important step toward faster, more reliable travel for everyone travelling on a bus along Highway 1,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, “The extension of the current transit lanes strengthens our RapidBus service and reinforces public transit as an efficient, reliable transportation solution for moving people between the Westshore and downtown Victoria.”

Building for a growing region

This section of Highway 1 is one of the busiest in the region and a key connection for people travelling between the Westshore and downtown Victoria. More than 300 buses travel this section each day, carrying thousands of transit riders. The additional lanes will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and help make transit service faster and more reliable, particularly during peak travel periods.

“Improvements to regional transit service play a critical role in creating livable communities,” said Dean Murdock, mayor of the District of Saanich. “By reducing congestion, these new lanes will allow more residents to get where they need to go more quickly and sustainably.”

The scope of the Colquitz River Bridges project includes:

• widened and seismically upgraded both existing two‑lane bridges over Burnside Road on Highway 1 between Tillicum Road and the McKenzie Interchange
• added one bus-on-shoulder lane in both directions on the bridges
• new bridge deck drainage system, including rain garde and sediment catch basin, and replaced invasive plants with native trees and vegetation to better protect the Colquitz River

Quick Facts:

• The total project cost is $33.5 million, with $23.5 million from the Province and $10 million from the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• This project supports the Province’s South Island Transportation Strategy, which focuses on improving safety, reliability and resiliency through co-ordinated highway, transit and active transportation investments.

Learn More:

To learn more about the bus lanes on the Colquitz River Bridges, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/colquitz-river-bridges

To learn more about the Province’s South Island Transportation Strategy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-reports-and-reference/reports-studies/vancouver-island/south-island-transportation-strategy