Community Update, August 1, 2024: Charters Road Construction Project

Crews are continuing the installation of the retaining wall and raising the road. Throughout this process, crews are backfilling and compacting the surfacing before a new layer is applied. Additionally, geo-grid materials are being used for the rows of wall blocks to ensure structural integrity.

The first 10 (of 19) rows of wall blocks have been installed, again with backfilling and compacting as road elevation continues. Preparation for essential utility relocation is nearing completion, and utility crews are scheduled to mobilize in early September.

After water, sewer and storm mains are installed additional layer of road base will be applied, before paving can occur.

Project Status

At this time, the project remains on schedule with Charters Road anticipated to reopen by the end of October 2024.

Current Congestion

The District is monitoring traffic flow and sees peak delays most commonly reaching 18 minutes around 5:30 pm. on Highway 14 approaching the Sooke town core. Traffic delays are greater leading into the weekend, and the most optimal evening travel times appear to be after 6 pm.

On July 17, 2024, CAO Gray provided an “Update on Transportation Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns,” highlighting our dedication to developing short, medium, and long-term solutions for our transportation needs. Our team is facing these challenges head-on and is committed to realizing effective solutions. Key points from this update include:

  • Charters Road Project: We are committed to keeping this project on schedule, if not ahead of schedule, as a short-term solution to our transportation challenges.
  • Throup Road Connector and Phillips Road Corridor: We are finalizing the design of these projects to update costs should Council decide to proceed with a referendum on borrowing funds.
  • Highway 14 Improvements: Our engineering staff has initiated dialogue with provincial staff to explore a dedicated westbound transit and right-turn lane along the corridor from the Sooke River Bridge to Church Road.
  • Contracted Engineer Engagement: To further support our efforts, we are engaging a contracted engineer to focus on alternative solutions not identified in the Transportation Master Plan. They will also help quantify the return on investments to prioritize actions appropriately.

In sharing this update on Charters Road, the District is reminding residents to please complete the 2025 Budget Survey, which invites feedback on traffic solutions. The survey remains open until August 25, 2024.

We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we work to improve our infrastructure. We will continue to provide updates to keep the community informed about our progress.

Related:


Photos: Retaining wall construction through various stages over the last two weeks:



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