Project Update - May 9, 2023
What’s happening now?
Saanich’s contractor, Hazelwood Construction Services has now completed the installation of all storm drainpipes on the Gorge Project. They are making good progress and are on schedule at this point. They have also installed all the concrete curb on the north side of Gorge.
Other road improvements to be completed, include sidewalks, bike lanes and a new asphalt driving surface.
Road and Parking Lot Closures
Gorge Road between Admirals and Tillicum has been reopened to single lane alternating traffic for now, however it will close again to all but local traffic between May 18th and June 30th, so that the contractor can complete bus stop installations.
Drivers travelling in the Gorge area over the next few months should expect significant delays and should avoid the area when possible. The following map shows possible detour options for the Gorge Road closures.
The Gorge Waterway parking lot located just south of Austin Avenue (see sketch below) will re-open before the May long weekend starting on May 19. Hazelwood Contracting is currently using the parking lot for temporary construction storage of construction equipment and materials.
Thank you for your ongoing patience.
Canada Day Celebrations
Despite on-going construction, the Canada Day Picnic is still scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 1 along Gorge Road between Admirals and Tillicum. Visit the website at Gorge Canada Day Picnic | Saanich | Victoria, BC
_________________________________________________________________
Project background
Storm Drainage Works
We will be replacing storm drain pipes, storm house connections and storm outfalls along this section of roadway.
Transportation Works
We will be installing a bi-directional cycle track on the south side of Gorge Road and sidewalk improvements on the north side. As part of the bike lane and pedestrian infrastructure installation, improvements to the existing east and west-bound bus stops will also be made.
Why are we doing this?
Underground Infrastructure Improvements
The replacement of underground infrastructure such as sewer, water and drain pipes is an on-going part of Saanich’s upgrading of aging pipes. Although the water and sewer pipes have been replaced in the past fifteen or so years, the drainage pipes in this area are in poor condition and well past their replacement dates.
Transportation Improvements
Gorge Road is a major road that services approximately 9150 vehicles per day, including numerous delivery trucks. The portion of Gorge Road West from Tillicum to Admirals Road has a gap in the on-road cycling facility. There are also inaccessible curb drops along the road corridor, which discourages active travel. In addition to being a transit route, Gorge Road West only provides off-road facilities in the parkland adjacent to the gorge waterway, which does not provide access to the streets perpendicular to Gorge Road. Gorge Road between Admirals and Tillicum identified in the District's strategic plan, including the Active Transportation Plan (ATP), the Official Community Plan (OCP), and the Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) Program as needing improvements to active transportation infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The ATP identifies Gorge Road from Harriet to Admirals as an All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling network.
Gorge Road improvement typical bus stop.
Gorge Road improvement typical parking lot entrance.
Construction Impacts
It is anticipated that single lane traffic will be initiated, and on-street parking will be affected by this project. Further information regarding construction impacts will be released by Hazelwood Construction Services in future notices, closer to the construction start date.
Project Timeline
Due to delays in the tendering process our original construction start date has been moved forward and the project is now scheduled to begin in late September 2022 and it is estimated to take approximately one year to complete.
Project Location
The project is located on Gorge Road West between Admirals and Tillicum Roads.
