CENTRAL SAANICH –  

Summary

• Safer, smoother trips with a new overpass connecting to Keating Cross Road from Highway 17
• Faster, more reliable travel for people commuting, moving goods
• Better access for businesses, communities in Keating area of Central Saanich
• Safer merge onto Highway 17 with more space to accelerate

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Drivers are benefiting from safer, more reliable travel and less time in traffic with the completion of the new Keating Cross Road Overpass on Highway 17.

The overpass removes the need for drivers to turn left across busy highway traffic, reducing the risk of collisions and improving travel times along a key route linking several communities. While not a direct connection, this new flyover improves traffic flow on Highway 17 which directly links to ferries and Victoria International Airport.

Improving a vital south Island corridor

“The completion of the Keating Cross Road Overpass is making travel safer and more reliable for people who live, work and travel on the Saanich Peninsula,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South, on behalf of Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “This investment improves connections across Highway 17, supports local businesses and communities, and helps people get where they need to go more efficiently.”

Highway 17 is one of southern Vancouver Island’s busiest transportation corridors, supporting the movement of people and goods throughout the region. Approximately 52,000 vehicles use this section each day, with traffic volumes reaching more than 4,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods.

The new overpass improves traffic flow through the corridor, reducing delays and supporting more reliable travel during peak periods.

The Highway 17 Keating Cross Road Overpass was a priority identified in the South Island Transportation Strategy, which is expanding and accelerating transit and transportation infrastructure needed to improve safety, strengthen communities and provide sustainable travel solutions.

Project highlights:

• improves safety by providing a new flyover crossing over Highway 17, including dedicated on-ramp and off-ramp to the highway
• supports future bus rapid transit on Highway 17 through new bus-on-shoulder lanes
• makes it safer for drivers entering Highway 17 by realigning the southbound on-ramp toward Victoria
• supports walking and cycling by widening Keating Cross Road and adding a new sidewalk, excluding the flyover structure
• improves safety for all travellers by closing direct highway access at East Saanich Road, Martindale Road and Danica Place

Completing the Keating Cross Road Overpass is part of B.C.’s plan to build safer, more reliable transportation routes that connect communities and support economic growth.

Quotes:

Stephanie McLean, MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke –

“The Government of Canada is proud to support infrastructure projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. The Keating Cross Road Overpass will provide safer journeys, better access to jobs and services, and more reliable connections for the thousands of drivers in Greater Victoria who rely on this vital corridor every day.”

Ryan Windsor, mayor of Central Saanich –

“The completion of the Keating Cross Road Overpass is a major milestone for Central Saanich. The new connection improves access to the Keating business district, supports more efficient travel through the community and enhances safety for all road users. This is an important investment that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• Highway 17 connects Victoria to the BC Ferries terminal in Sidney and Victoria International Airport.
• Total project investment is approximately $76.8 million.
• The Province provided $57.6 million in funding, the federal government $16.7 million.
• The District of Central Saanich contributed $2.5 million toward the project.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the project, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/keatingoverpass