With multiple major road construction projects in the CRD this summer some are calling for better coordination

CHEK

WATCH: Driving around Greater Victoria this summer is likely going to take even longer with several major transportation projects underway or planned. April Lawrence reports.

There are already countless construction delays on roads through the Capital Regional District but the delays are only about to get worse.

The City of Victoria announced this week the Point Ellice, or Bay Street bridge will be closed to eastbound traffic for five months beginning mid-May.

It’s just one of several major projects that will be underway this summer.

Already underway is the sewage treatment construction on Dallas Road, bike lane installation on Wharf Street, and the McKenzie Interchange project. Work will begin soon on Highway 1 southbound bus lanes and this summer on McCallum Road near Costco in Langford. There is also road work planned for Sooke Road at Happy Valley Road.

And that doesn’t include smaller road work projects and building construction impacts around each municipality.

“The outcome will be better but the process is very painful,” said Catherine Holt, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

Holt wants to see regional oversight or amalgamation, so there aren’t so many projects happening at the same time in all 13 municipalities.

“It’s wonderful to have federal and provincial investment in transportation in our region which we haven’t seen in a long time we’d just like to see better coordination,” said Holt.

The City of Victoria says it will try to coordinate better traffic movement in the areas around the Bay Street bridge when construction starts mid-month.

April LawrenceApril Lawrence

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