Originally posted August 24, 2009
This morning the Township of Esquimalt held a sod turning ceremony to celebrate the upgrading of the Admirals/Colville intersection. Mayor Barb Desjardins was joined for the ceremony by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport, and CFB Esquimalt Base Commander Capt (N) Marcel Hallé. Township engineering staff and project consultants were also on hand to provide technical information.
“This intersection upgrade is great news for all of us in Esquimalt, bringing many benefits to residents and visitors,” said Mayor Desjardins. “Pedestrians, rail commuters, cyclists and drivers all converge at this point. This upgrade will ensure safe and efficient travel for all of these users.”
Mayor Desjardins expressed gratitude to the Department of National Defense for providing 60% funding of the $4 million project. This funding is part of a federal program to improve infrastructure around military facilities. “The project benefits both the community and the base and is an excellent example of working together to achieve common goals,” said the Mayor.
As part of the project agreement, Federal lands were also transferred to the Township by both the Department of National Defence and the Esquimalt Graving Dock, which is managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada. These land contributions made the road widening and infrastructure improvements possible.
The Admirals and Colville roads intersection project is intended to improve safety and accessibility for the community. The improvements include a traffic light, safety gates for trains, left turn lanes on Admirals Road and right turn lanes at all four corners of the intersection. The work is expected to be completed by November of 2009.
The road upgrade will also allow for the safe crossing of Admirals road by users of the proposed E&N rail trail, a multi-use path being constructed by the Capital Regional District. The trail will connect Esquimalt with Victoria to the east and View Royal and Langford to the west. The CRD has agreed to participate in the project by providing funding for this crossing.
For more information please contact:
Ritchie Morrison
Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250-414-7122