Construction is set to begin next week on a new two-lane bridge on Gillespie Road at Roche Cove, a key alternate route when crashes or traffic clogs Highway 14.
“A new bridge at Roche Cove has been a long time coming, with more and more traffic coming to our growing region,” Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, said in a statement.
“It’s frustrating and inefficient to wait and take turns on the old one-way bridge, and unsafe for the drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who use this crossing.”
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure awarded the $3.66-million contract to Maple Ridge’s North Gate Pacific Contracting Ltd
The two-lane concrete bridge will have an improved road alignment, with 1.5-metre paved shoulders to allow safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. The new bridge is expected to open in the fall, replacing the single-lane timber bridge built in 1928.
“Gillespie Road is an important link for people in Sooke, those accessing parks, lodges and other recreational spots, and is a critical alternate route when the highway is closed,” said Transportation Minister Claire Trevena.
“Constructing a new, wider bridge ensures traffic can flow safely and effectively as people travel to, from and within Sooke.”
Rock blasting will take place Mondays to Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and might cause delays of up to 20 minutes.
Construction will also cause some full-day closures that will be advertised in advance on roadside message boards.
Detours are available via Kangaroo Road and East Sooke Road. Drivers are asked to obey traffic control staff and watch for workers.
The Roche Cove bridge replacement is part of $10 million in upgrades on the Highway 14 corridor that connects Langford to Sooke and Port Renfrew. Upgrades include transit pullouts, a queue jump lane at Jacklin Road, safety signs, upgrades to the Sooke River Road intersection, improvements to Otter Point Road and the Sombrio rest area, and a slow-moving vehicle pullout at Muir Creek.
