PHOTOS: Colwood officially opens Galloping Goose pedestrian, cycling bridge
Published 5:15 pm Friday, April 10, 2026
Colwood has built a bridge and got over it.
Steps away from a busy intersection now stands a 38-metre-long bridge, offering Galloping Goose trail users safe passage across Sooke Road, also known as Old Island Highway.
The Galloping Goose pedestrian and cycling bridge was officially opened on April 9, marking the end of years of work to bring the $6.3 million project to fruition.
The bridge has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – with federal and provincial contributions amounting to $3.6 million.
“Colwood’s new bridge ticks so many boxes for people in our community: improving health and well-being, easing traffic congestion, attracting customers to nearby businesses, creating cultural connections, and reducing our climate impact,” said a statement by Mayor Doug Kobayashi.
“More than that, this project is proof that strong collaboration between local, regional, provincial, federal, and Indigenous partners is the way to advance much-needed infrastructure improvements as our communities grow.”
Eager to get across were members of the Victoria E-Bike Club, who said navigating their way across the highway was previously “harrowing, dangerous, and nerve-wracking.”
“We love it,” said Katya Androsoff. “We’re thrilled, super happy to see some investment in infrastructure for cycling, it’s a big deal.
“We can’t wait to ride it all the time.”
Also in admiration of Colwood’s work was Langford Coun. Kimberley Guiry, who said the bridge will allow her daughter to now safely cycle to school solo.
For the opening ceremony, Kobayashi welcomed Songhees Coun. Eugene Sam and Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rochford, as well as dozens of residents from nearby retirement home, West Shore Village, who were the first to officially cross the bridge.
Rochford noted Colwood is working with an Indigenous Cultural Liaison and Knowledge Keeper from Songhees Nation to incorporate Indigenous art elements into the bridge’s design in the future.
“This will ensure the bridge becomes not only a pathway, but a place of cultural significance,” she said.
According to Colwood, an average of around 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists a day use the trail through Colwood, which they expect to increase now that the bridge has opened.
“Whether you’re walking, rolling, cycling, or simply taking that stroll, this bridge is for you,” said Rochford.
With the Galloping Goose bridge project now complete, all eyes move to Colwood’s next.
A project to construct a new multi-use pathway along the length of the Colwood waterfront from the Lagoon Bridge to the growing Beachlands neighbourhood is underway, connecting regional trail users to seaside areas in new ways.