The Highway 17/Keating Cross Road overpass is set to open this summer, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
Since construction began in July 2023, motorists in both directions have faced traffic delays, lane changes, congestion and unexpected traffic build-up as they exit onto Keating Cross Road.
So far, work on the flyover has included building a structure bridge, widening Highway 17 for bus-on-shoulder facilities, relocating complex utilities and closing highway access at East Saanich and Martindale roads.
There will be additional work to be done before the flyover opens, such as widening Keating Cross Road, finishing the flyover deck surface and railings and resurfacing portions of the site.
The $76.8 million project is expected to be fully completed by the fall of 2025 with finishing touches yet to be made on Keating Cross Road to improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the southbound onramp to Victoria. The remainder of the site will be resurfaced and restored, including the completion of drainage work.
Meanwhile, the District of Central Saanich council unanimously approved on Monday (Feb. 10) a notice of motion requesting the province provide the district with a conceptual plan for a pedestrian (cycling, scooter, active transportation) overpass across the highway.
The plan is for the province to use its transportation civil and planning resources to identify access, egress and viable structure options to help residents safely travel from Tanner/Keating to the regional Galloping Goose trail.
If the ministry agrees to this request, district staff, council and other stakeholders will be able to review the concept, provide feedback and decide whether it makes sense to begin working with the province, federal government and other potential agencies to prioritize this infrastructure as a future phase of the Keating flyover project.
Coun. Niall Paltiel, the motion's author, explains the decision to request a pedestrian overpass plan from the province was motivated by three factors.
First, a recent medical incident involving a truck and a cyclist at Highway 17 and Island View Road highlighted the dangers of at-grade pedestrian intersections along the highway. Second, the province's Keating Flyover scope omitted pedestrian infrastructure, so constructing that bridge fills a significant gap in the district's Active Transportation Plan in light of the Keating Industrial Park's expansion plans and the resulting demand for housing, transportation, and other resources. Third, Paltiel says this linkage is a valuable regional asset as the district works to improve pedestrian and cycling connections throughout the region. "A stronger and safer network will benefit Tsawout Nation, agritourism in the Martindale Valley, as well as regional businesses and commuters."
He said making the request creates the urgency to prioritize and keep the ball rolling while work in the area is being completed.
"At this point, all we're asking the province for is a concept that we would then review and use for future discussions with stakeholder groups, neighbours, staff and our own review of engineering feasibility,” he said. “Ideally Central Saanich is just the facilitator and other levels of government come to the table and see the value in enhancing the regional transportation network in this way.”
District staff have been directed to prepare the letter of request which will be sent to the ministry, which will have representatives visit Central Saanich in the next two weeks to present a progress report on the Highway 17 Keating Cross Overpass Project.
Paltiel hopes to share the district's request and persuade the province to agree on a timeline for developing a concept, approving it and funding the detailed design work.
