Representatives from the federal and provincial government announced plans Wednesday to build a long-awaited interchange motorists in the Capital region will no doubt be happy to hear.
Both levels of government will commit a combined $85-million for the construction of an overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway at the intersection of Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue – a problem traffic area that has been plaguing drivers for years.
McKenzie Avenue at Highway 1 was named the second-worst road in the entire Coastal region, just behind the aging George Massey Tunnel in Richmond, in BCAA’s annual “worst roads” survey last year.
Ninety-six per cent of respondents blamed traffic congestion for the road’s problems.
Lots of honks from commuters on the TCH. Seems like everybody knows what this press conference is about.
— Chandler Grieve (@CTVNewsChandler) July 22, 2015
The federal government is kicking in up to $32,647,500 for the project while B.C. will contribute about $52,352,500.
Vancouver Island North MP and Minister of State John Duncan made the announcement alongside B.C.’s Minister of Transportation Todd Stone and Langford Mayor Stewart Young.
They also announced municipal, provincial and federal funding totalling $22,352,570 for a 3.5-kilometre extension of the Westshore Parkway that will connect Highway 1 to Highway 14.
Upgrades to the parkway will include the installation of a middle turning lane where necessary, new bike lanes on both sides of the road, additional sidewalks and streetlights, but stops and medians.
Politicians say the new interchange and parkway extension will “help improve traffic flow between two of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia, while reducing collision rates and improving pedestrian/cyclist safety throughout the Capital Regional District,” according to a federal government statement.
The cost of that project will be split evenly between all levels of government.
Young said the city is “grateful” for funding support for the long-awaited upgrades.
“The connection of Highway 1 and Highway 14 provides an important transportation link for the whole region and will provide for future economic growth and jobs in the area,” he said.
The announcement comes three months before the country will choose its next federal government on Oct. 19.
NDP Leader John Horgan called the announcement "good news," but suggested the timing could be more than a coincidence.
"There's an old adage though, whenever you see the asphalt truck pulling up, you know there's an election just around the corner," he said.
Officials did not confirm a start date for either of the construction projects.
