Highway 1 - Colquitz River Bridges Widening

The Highway 1-Colquitz River Bridges Widening project will widen and seismically retrofit both existing two-lane bridges over Burnside Road on Highway 1 in Victoria. 

Greater Victoria is getting busier, and it’s crucial we have a strong transportation network that people can count on to get to and from their work, homes and families between downtown and the West Shore. 

Widening the Colquitz River bridges will make for a more reliable, efficient commute for south Islanders while protecting local waterways and ecosystems.

“Transit is vital to our region, and this infrastructure improvement will make the bus more convenient for people who commute in and out of the downtown core,” says Bruce Williams,

The project is a part of the South Island Transportation Strategy, which focuses on improving the sustainability and resiliency in Southern Vancouver Island communities through highway, transit and active transportation improvements. 

The project will involve:

• Adding a bus-on-shoulder lane to each bridge
• Connecting and extending the bus lanes in both directions from Tillicum Road to the McKenzie Interchange

Status

The construction contract has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc.

Schedule

• Construction anticipated to start in summer of 2024
• Project completion forecasted for fall of 2025

Traffic impacts

Highway 1 and Burnside Road West will remain open throughout construction period, with lane closures limited to off-peak hours when required. No changes are planned for bus service through construction.

Project benefits

This project will benefit the community by:

• Improving connectivity
• Removing a key pinch point by creating a continuous transit corridor between downtown Victoria and the McKenzie Interchange
• Improving climate resiliency
• Environmental improvements will support the sensitive habitat in and around Colquitz River
• A new bridge deck drainage system with a rain garden and sediment catch basin will filter roadway run-off, improving water quality in the creek
• Non-native and invasive plants will be replaced with native trees and vegetation

Project cost

The total project investment is $35.5 million, with the Province contributing $23.5 million and the Federal government contributing $12 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Public consultation

The ministry worked with the region’s local governments and environmental groups to complete the designs.