Ongoing Project Updates

A number of construction projects are planned or are underway within the District of Sooke. The following is a list of initiatives undertaken by the District of Sooke, other Government Agencies, or various development projects which may affect our residents.

Please note the following for all construction zones:

  • Qualified Traffic Control Personnel will be present at all times throughout the construction;
  • Please slow down and obey construction signs and flaggers; and
  • Alternating one lane traffic may be required periodically to complete road works.

Townsend Road / Highway 14 Intersection Upgrade:
The median installation is now completed and temporary paint markings are in place. Permanent paint markings are to be installed in April, 2012 (weather dependent). Eradication of the existing crosswalk is now complete.

The 2008 Transportation Plan recommended that Townsend Road become a right in/right out intersection on Highway 14 with a pedestrian crosswalk, as constructed. These upgrades were required to improve the level of service and pedestrian safety at the intersection. Further, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requested that the intersection upgrade be carried out as soon as possible.

Maple Avenue Asphalt Overlay:
The District of Sooke is working with Capital Regional District Water Services Department to coordinate improvements to the road surface of Maple Avenue South in conjunction with the water main upgrade which is currently underway.

In order to improve the road condition and extend the life of the road before base damage occurs, Maple Avenue South from Grant Road South to Highway 14 is scheduled for an asphalt overlay. This work will allow for approximately 7 metres of pavement, creating two driving lanes, separated by a painted centre line. Future fog line painting will be added to budget requests for 2012. The works are intended to be completed as soon as CRD Water completes its water main upgrade pending appropriate weather conditions.

District of Sooke Drainage and Culvert Replacement Program:
 Various drainage projects are at this time being considered and are being investigated to determine the appropriate plan of action and order of priority. Once the final requirements have been determined, the District will be asking contractors to quote the works.

For further information, please contact Al Fontes, Manager of Operations at afontes@sooke.ca

Grant Road Connector – along the Throup Road alignment from Charters Road to Phillips Road:

January 9, 2012 Staff report to Council

The preliminary design work for the first Phase of the Grant Road connector is underway and the design parameters for the culvert crossing are being finalized. Once finalized, a detailed cost estimate will be presented to Council for review in order to determine the scope and feasibility of the project.

Should the project proceed, due to land constraints, the proposed cross section for the Connector Road will likely be constructed in stages, however the key element of the section that will be included in this phase of construction is one of the multi use trails which will help improve pedestrian and cyclist safety dramatically. Discussions with neighboring residents is a key component of the detailed design to ensure the proposed interface between the right of way and the neighboring properties is acceptable.

Pending Council direction, construction is anticipated to commence in 2012. It should be noted that the Memorandum of Understanding between the District and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) does not speak to replacing the current Highway 14 with the connector road. The intent of the two routes is to provide an alternate route to take congestion off the Highway and allow the reduction of required right of way width for the Highway.

Waterview Street / Highway 14 Round-about:

January 9, 2012 Staff report to Council

Preliminary design work for the Waterview Road/Highway 14 roundabout is underway. Discussions with neighboring residents with respect to land and parking requirements is a key component of the detailed design. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2012 pending the outcome of these discussions and Council approval to proceed.

Pineridge Park:
New drainage works, native plantings, exercise equipment and an improved trail to connect Pineridge Place and Rhodonite Drive are being planned for Pineridge Park. The design work is well underway and the construction is anticipated to commence in early 2012 and will improve upon already completed hazardous tree removals which increased visibility and safety in the park.

Galloping Goose Sooke Highway 14 Crossing at Cooper Cove:
The CRD Regional Parks department has been working on improving the Galloping Goose crossing at Highway 14 and the project is in its final stage before going forward to construction.   Pending Parks Committee and Board approval, the project will proceed in 2012, again, pending the CRD funding approval process. 

The proposed design may have minor changes prior to construction, however the critical elements are in place and have been approved by  MOTI.  

Key points on the Cooper Cove Crossing Project;  

  1. MOTI has been very involved to ensure the configuration meets TAC and TEC review standards and provincial approval process.   
  2. Crossing will be pedestrian activated light controlled with standard highway road markings.  
  3. Advance notice to highway drivers will be accomplished through signs and activated lights.  
  4. Existing concrete barricades will be adjusted & extended to (a) discourage road side parking and (b) achieve better sight lines.
  5. Trail grade on north side of the highway will be flattened as much as possible and paved for short sections.

Galloping Goose Sooke River Crossing:
Several options for a Sooke River pedestrian and cyclist crossing were assessed in order to increase community connectivity and provide a safe link over the Sooke River. Council gave direction to proceed with the design of Site#3, from Soule Road to Sunriver Nature Trail Park, as the best location to provide a future link over the Sooke River. The design of the crossing is expected to be completed in February, 2012 which will then be available for potential grant submissions should that be directed by Council.

Horse Shoe Pitching Facility:
District of Sooke Council has directed the Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Club (SHPC) to work with the Sooke Community Association to establish a horse shoe pitching facility for the community at the Sooke Flats.

The SHPC is looking for a facility that will consist of 16 horseshoe pits, a small club house and onsite storage.

 

COMPLETED WORKS:

City Hall Parking Lot Lighting and Landscaping:
The works to improve safety and visibility in the form of new LED lighting, landscape (low-growing, drought-tolerant species), and line painting are now complete.

John Phillips Memorial Park:
Sixty meters of culvert was replaced with a meandering 1-meter wide stream in John Phillips Memorial Park to reinstate a stream bed. Bollards have also been installed to improve safety on the trails.

Public Benches:
Island Advertizing Inc has installed benches and garbage cans at various bus stop locations from Whiffin Spit to Kaltasin Road. These are provided free of charge to the District in exchange for the right to have businesses advertize on the benches and garbage cans. Island Advertizing will be providing the District with a $700 fee, payable each year which is to be used to offset the cost of garbage pick-up.