A pipeline project along Royal Oak Drive that has caused traffic backups in recent months is expected to finish near the end of June.
The work involves pipelines for the Rithet Reservoir in Broadmead, which serves Broadmead, Gordon Head and the Blenkinsop Valley — about 25 per cent of the Saanich population.
The covered reservoir near Perez Drive dates to the early 1950s and was replaced in 2015 for $8.1 million. The current pipeline work is part of that project. The work is on track to finish on or under budget, said Saanich spokeswoman Tara Zajac.
The reservoir-drain upgrade by Don Mann Excavating involves constructing about 670 metres of drain pipe providing for access for routine maintenance and inspections at a cost of $896,000. The existing water main has insufficient capacity.
The construction started on March 6. Single-lane alternating traffic is in place between 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The drain pipe runs along Royal Oak Drive from Rithetwood Drive up Amblewood Drive and along Kentwood Terrace to Cliffwood Place.
The Rithet Reservoir holds 17,340 cubic metres of water — 3.81 million imperial gallons — and is seismically upgraded and able to serve as a temporary water source in the event of a major earthquake. In contrast, the Sooke Lake Reservoir holds a total volume of 160.32 million cubic metres, according to the Capital Regional District.
