Sooke residents say 'out-of-control' traffic congestion on the rise
A two-kilometre stretch of Highway 14 between Langford and Sooke, B.C., has been under construction for nearly two years.
Construction on the stretch of highway was supposed to be completed this summer, but that deadline has now passed.
On Monday, CTV News asked the province how far behind the project was and if it was still on budget. As of Tuesday afternoon, the B.C. government still hadn’t responded to our questions.
David Evans, owner of the Stick In The Mud Coffee House and Specialty Roaster in Sooke, says the highway construction, coupled with increased interest in communities along the island's western coast, has led to high traffic volumes.
"Congestion is at a point that I have never seen before," he said Tuesday. "It is really bad."
Long-time Sooke resident Leo Kreeft, who was at the café Tuesday, called traffic levels "out of control and stupid."
It's part of a problem that's been brewing in the community for the past five years.
Sooke’s population is growing and cheaper real estate has meant many have made the choice to move to the small community.
Now a new problem has developed, stemming from an increase in commuters.
"Actually, I drove the road yesterday at around 4:30 in the afternoon and traffic was backed up probably 12 or 13 kilometres," said Evans. "All the way to the four lanes."
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Mike Menard, president of the Sooke Chamber of Commerce, says something more needs to be done before the problem gets worse.
"We’re having a hard time getting our people in and out of town because we only have one roadway that accommodates many communities up the line," he said.
He’s calling for a bypass to be built around Sooke.
"A bypass around the centre core of the city would facilitate a lot of the big trucks, a lot of the commuters through Sooke," said Menard.
Kreeft likes the idea but does have some concerns.
"Well a bypass is great, if they could do it sustainably," said the long-time Sooke resident. "You know, not to impede onto our forests and our waters."
Another idea being floated by the owner of the coffee house to relieve traffic congestion through Sooke is better transit.
"I think there are other solutions that should be looked at first," said Evans. "Maybe a dedicated transit lane, maybe express busses right to downtown Victoria, not just to Langford."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.