$76.8M Keating Flyover to open to traffic on Monday

After just over two years of construction, the Keating Flyover is set to open to drivers of the Pat Bay Highway on Monday.

The project, which cost $76.8 million, first got underway in May 2023.

READ MORE FROM 2023: ‘It’s not the safest street’: Central Saanich residents concerned over traffic flow diversion

Now, the project will open on July 28 to allow an easier exit off the highway.

“People driving through this region need to be able to count on safe and smooth travel when they’re heading to their homes, work, the airport or ferries,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of transportation and transit.

“Opening the Keating Cross Road flyover means we’ve removed a dangerous left turn and have made travel safer for families, commuters, tourists and commercial transport drivers who rely on this corridor every day.”

While it will be open to vehicles, the province notes some work will still be going on throughout the summer and fall, including paving the southbound on ramp, drainage improvements and landscaping.

“The opening of the Keating Cross Road flyover is a tremendous achievement for the Saanich peninsula,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South.

“This investment makes travel on this busy corridor safer and more reliable for families, commuters and commercial drivers. It also strengthens ties to our local business community and supports the region’s growth well into the future.”

The B.C. government contributed the largest chunk of the project’s budget at $57.6 million. The federal government contributed $16.7 million, and Central Saanich chipped in $2.5 million.

“With the Keating Cross Road flyover open, drivers and pedestrians in Central Saanich will benefit from improved safety and better access to the region,” said Will Greaves, member of parliament for Victoria.

“Our government is proud to invest in projects that support the expansion of local public transit and make life easier and safer for all Canadians.”

The B.C. government says more than 52,000 vehicles travel this section of the Patricia Bay Highway every day.

“The new flyover aims to make travel through the Saanich peninsula faster and our neighbourhoods safer. It’s an important connection to the Keating Business District, a key industrial and business centre for our region,” said Ryan Windsor, mayor of Central Saanich.

“This has been a long-standing priority for our community. We’re grateful to the provincial and federal governments for recognizing its importance and we’re thrilled to see the flyover opening.”

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