Esquimalt Road Active Transportation Improvements & Underground Utility Renewals Project

About this project

The Esquimalt Road Active Transportation Improvements and Utilities Upgrades Project will better connect Esquimalt Road to critical areas, including the City of Victoria, Department of National Defence lands, business center, recreation centre, and other local and regional destinations. This project is part of the Township's new Active Transportation Network Plan, which aims to create a 5.3-kilometer bike-friendly network on Tillicum Road, Lampson Street, and Esquimalt Road and supports our goal to improve walking and biking experiences for everyone.

What’s happening now?

The project team is compiling the survey results and will share a report to council later this fall.

September 4-25 survey

The public was invited to provide input on the proposed design through the online survey. Before completing the survey, participants were invited to the information boards that describe what we're considering in detail in the proposed design. Paper copies were be available at Esquimalt Municipal Hall and the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. The survey closed September 25, 2024.

Our process

This project will be carried out in two key phases. It will incorporate public feedback and technical analysis to ensure the best possible design before moving into construction in 2024/2025.

Phase 1: In the first phase, we’re upgrading the section of Esquimalt Road from Dominion Road to Joffre Street.

Phase 2: The second phase will focus on the section of Esquimalt Road from Joffre Street to Canteen Road but will explore alternate routes off Esquimalt Road using neighbourhood bikeways.

These phases will also upgrade underground utilities to save on costs and streamline construction efforts. In September 2024, we are focusing on Phase 1 improvements. Stay tuned for Phase 2 of this project in the fall of 2024, when we will share the design for Esquimalt Road from Joffre Street to Canteen Road and alternate routes off of Esquimalt Road.

What improvements are we considering for Phase 1?

In Phase 1 of the project, we aim to make biking safer and more accessible by adding new bike lanes and other vital improvements.

We’re proposing a west-east protected bike route on Esquimalt Road, including:

• All Ages and Abilities Design: Infrastructure that people of all ages and abilities feel are safe and comfortable;

• Protected and safe bike lanes: Protected bike lanes, designed to make walking, biking, and rolling comfortable for all ages and abilities;

• Safer intersection crossings: Safer and more accessible intersections and road crossings;

• Better east-west connection: A high quality and desirable east-west connection through the heart of Esquimalt for people walking and rolling;

• Better existing connections: Connections to existing bike routes and low-traffic neighbourhood routes;

• Speed limit changes: Pairing speed limit reductions with road design changes to reduce vehicle speeds, improving safety;

• Lighting upgrades: Ensure proper lighting levels are maintained/upgraded at key locations;

• Traffic light upgrades: Traffic signal changes to improve traffic flow;

• Quick build: Using quick-build techniques to fast-track construction where possible;

• Utility upgrades: Sanitary and storm utility upgrades to meet the needs future drainage and wastewater demands; and

• Planning roads with future buildings: Align roadway design to match upcoming development frontages.