@capitalbikeca
@capitalbikeca
@capitalbike.ca
Updated: July 18, 2025
These construction projects, beginning in 2025 could affect your cycling commute!
Multiple agencies are planning necessary work on or around our region’s commuter trail system. We will try to keep you up-to-date with any closure, detour and disruption information for each project.
The bulk of the work affecting trails will be just north of the Selkirk Trestle, northwards to Uptown. However, there will be some disruption in Banfield park starting in the spring.
Colquitz Trail Crossing Closure @ Mann
What: Saanich is installing a raised crosswalk across Mann Ave, improving what was often an awkward and dangerous crossing. It should help to improve visibility for all trail users and help reduce vehicle speeds.
When: July 21 2025, closure lasting up to 3 weeks.
Detour:
BC Hydro Esquimalt to Victoria Cable Replacement
Update July 18, 2025: Gorge Rd westbound is closed to vehicles and cyclists at Jutland. If you’re headed to the Goose you can ride through the Selkirk Development, and if you’re heading west on Gorge you can dismount and use the sidewalk, or head over to the Goose via Selkirk development and loop back up.
Update, June 5, 2025: Access to Banfield Park from Craigflower near the Rec Center is somewhat limited by construction activity. As construction is ongoing the configuration may change over the coming days. Use caution.
Update, April 25, 2025: Work has started on Pine st near the Esquimalt Sub-station. Cyclists are asked to dismount and walk the sidewalk while passing the work area. An alternate route is available 1 block north on Belton Ave. Work will continue eastwards into Banfield park through June.
What: BC Hydro needs to urgently replace a leaking underwater 230kV cable running between 2 substations. At their most recent Virtual Open House they addressed many of our concerns.
When: March 31, 2025: Early signs of work have appeared in Banfield Park. The lower gravel trail has signs that say trail area closed, but the trail seemingly remains open, for now. Work will proceed eastwards from the Esquimalt sub-station at the rate of ~10m/day. Work will reach Viaduct park adjacent the Galloping Goose by July 2025, on into November 2025.
Why (should you care):
- Minor trail detours will be in place while they route through Banfield Park in Vic West. Detours should be minimal, and the time window for those detours will be short.
- While the Galloping Goose itself should not see any closures during the construction on the north side of the harbour, there will have flaggers and some routing through adjacent Viaduct Park, parallel to the Goose.
- BC Hydro needs to dig up the existing trail connector from GG to Gorge Rd. On a recent meeting between Capital Bike and the CRD to discuss their proposed detour for the upcoming Galloping Goose Trail Widening Project, the main issue with the route was the slope of this connector. Thankfully, at the request of the CRD and the City of Victoria, BC Hydro has explicitly said they will rebuild this connector to reduce the grade and conform to an All Ages and Abilities standard. The CRD is also deferring their widening project until BC Hydro completes the reconstruction of this connector so that the detour on our most critical cycling route is as low-barrier as possible.
- Stay tuned for more information regarding specific timelines.
Project link: https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/victoria-esquimalt-cable.html
Galloping Goose Bridge Construction – Colwood
What: A new pedestrian and cycling overpass is currently being constructed across Island Highway just west of Ocean/Wale
When: Work will begin March 2025. Work is expected to be complete by October 31st, 2025
Why (should you care):
- A detour is in place along Ocean Blvd. Use caution, traffic moves fast here. The gravel on the detour cut is also quite loose, so slow down making the corner. Many cyclists have reported wiping out.
- A portion of the Galloping Goose Trail in Colwood will be closed to pedestrian/cycling traffic between Wale Road and Belmont Bridge for the duration of 7 months for the construction of a pedestrian bridge spanning Island Highway
Many of our members have noticed that the detour as described is not yet in place, and traffic is being routed along Island Highway, east of Aldeane. Use extreme caution riding along Island Highway! We are seeking more information from the city as to their expected timeline for detour completion and proper wayfinding- Stay tuned for more information regarding specific timelines.
Project info: https://www.colwood.ca/news/construction-begins-galloping-goose-pedestrian-and-cycling-bridge-colwood
Detour information: https://www.colwood.ca/news/traffic-advisory-galloping-goose-trail-temporary-closure
Galloping Goose/Lochside Trail Widening and Lighting
What: The CRD is widening and lighting the trails. Project extends from Selkirk Trestle to Grange Rd, and from Uptown to Borden @ McKenzie.
When: The project was originally slated to begin in 2025, however the CRD is deferring while BC Hydro completes its cable replacement project. This will allow the CRD to take advantage of the trail improvements Hydro has promised
Why: The two trails are heavily used. Greater separation of pedestrians and cyclists is much-needed, and overdue. Safety concerns, especially at night were voiced by many trail users, so lighting the trail is an additional priority.
Project Link: https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/regional-trestles-renewal-trails-widening-and-lighting-project
Proposed Detour, not final
