Motorists in Victoria should prepare for traffic disruptions along Gorge Road starting this week as BC Hydro begins work on its Victoria to Esquimalt cable replacement project.
The project aims to replace a corroded underground power cable that poses a significant risk of failure, ensuring continued electricity reliability for Greater Victoria.
Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, affecting Gorge Road and Dunedin Street.
"We expect our work to take about four to six weeks," said Stephen Watson of BC Hydro. "This emergency-driven project will replace an existing underground power cable that is at high risk of failure from corrosion."
The new cable will run between the Esquimalt Substation and the Horsey Substation with the goal of energizing the new circuit by the summer of 2026.
The initial work will start in the northern lane of Gorge Road, near Viaduct Park, and move eastward.
This phase will involve excavation, soil removal, pipe laying and covering, and repaving.
During construction, the southern lane of Gorge Road will be open to eastbound traffic only. Westbound traffic will be diverted up Jutland Road.
While sidewalks along Gorge Road will remain open, pedestrians and cyclists may be directed by flaggers to the south sidewalk during construction hours.
BC Hydro urges motorists to adhere to posted traffic signs and follow directions from work crews.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding during the construction of this important project to maintain Greater Victoria's electricity reliability." said Watson.
For more information on the Victoria to Esquimalt cable replacement project, visit www.bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt.
