People in the West Shore on Vancouver Island will soon have safer driving conditions as upgrades to Highway 1 from Leigh Road to the West Shore Parkway are 50 per cent complete.
“Improving safety for people travelling on our highways is a top priority,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “We listened to the concerns of commuters and local law enforcement. It’s great to see this project, which will widen the highway to four lanes and install median barriers, getting closer to completion.”
Upgrades to Highway 1, between the Leigh Road interchange and the West Shore Parkway signal at Highway 1, include widening the road to four lanes with median barrier separation and improved roadside protections. A new northbound through lane at the West Shore Parkway intersection will improve traffic flow and make commuting safer and more efficient.
“On behalf of the families affected by accidents on this stretch of the highway, as well as the residents of Langford, I am pleased that this project is halfway completed,” said Stew Young, mayor of Langford. “The support and proactive approach taken by the Province will make the highway safer for all. This vital safety measure will no doubt save lives and encourage motorists to drive carefully.”
Blasting of the rock bluffs along the project site to better improve sightlines and removal of soft soil to help make the road safer near the Leigh Road interchange northbound highway on-ramp are complete. The next phase of work includes building storm drainage and culverts, placing a gravel road base and installing electrical fixtures.
Paving will take place from early August to September. Drivers are advised to use caution, follow the directions of traffic control personnel and obey the construction speed zone limit of 60 km/h when in place.
Construction began in September 2019. The project is ahead of schedule and is slated to be complete before summer 2021.
