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Work begins on upgrades to Pat Bay intersection in Central Saanich

Work costing $7.6 million, aims to decrease congestion at Mount Newton Cross Road
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The image outlines upgrades set for the intersection of Pat Bay Highway and Mount Newton Cross Road. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)

Work is beginning on new bus-only lanes, transit stops and other safety improvements coming to the Pat Bay Highway.

The new queue lanes around the Highway 17 and Mount Newton Cross Road intersection and are meant to allow transit riders to bypass the congestion.

The project will also reconfigure the intersection to improve safety and sightlines, the province said in a release, by rebuilding traffic islands, and adding new signals, signage and road markings. New sidewalks will also be added and existing pathways will be enhanced.

The work will require some nighttime lane closures, but the area’s cyclist and pedestrian facilities will remain open during construction. The bus lanes and other improvements cost a total of $7.6 million.

“These enhancements will make travel easier and faster for transit users and provide more safe, active transportation options for people walking and cycling along the Highway 17 corridor, benefitting businesses and connecting communities for years to come,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Rob Fleming.

The province said the work was identified as a priority in the South Island Transportation Strategy because it increases connection and capacity-building infrastructure, helps improve safety and expands choices for sustainable travel. It also supports the government’s CleanBC Roadmap 2030 climate goals.

“This new project will mean faster, more convenient transit trips along an important travel corridor in the Capital Region, which will help reduce congestion and climate pollution,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy.

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