City of Langford announces infrastructure projects

The City of Langford is getting some upgrades after it announced eight significant infrastructure advancement projects on Tuesday to provide safer travel to schools. 

In collaboration with Sooke School District (SD62), the City of Langford will be working on six sidewalk infill projects, one multi-use path, and intersection upgrades at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue. Funding will come from the City’s General Amenity Fund, SD62, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) Road Improvement Program, and the Ministry of Transportation's Active Transportation Grant.

“The City is pleased to be partnering with School District 62, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and ICBC to improve connectivity throughout the City and provide safer routes to school,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. “Council is committed to providing safe, active transportation infrastructure for all residents, especially for vulnerable users.” 

The decision to move forward with the project was made by the city after they identified areas in need of sidewalks or pathways where improvements were not likely to happen in the near future. On top of this, the city designed a number of the projects to provide safer routes for those attending school in the area.  

“With the unveiling of enhanced infrastructure around schools and neighbouring communities, the City of Langford reinforces its commitment to safe and accessible active travel routes for both students and residents,” stated Amanda Dowhy, board chair of the Sooke School District. “The collaborative partnership between the School District and the City of Langford highlights the power of collective action in creating environments where safety and well-being flourish.”

The projects announced support the City of Langford’s first strategic plan, which prioritizes transportation safety, opportunity, and awareness. This is the second major transportation update Langford has made this year, with the implementation of a traffic calming policy in January being the first.

Some projects are nearing construction, while others are currently in the design phase; despite different starting dates, all projects are expected to be completed in 2024 and 2025.

Projects:

Treanor Avenue, from City Gate to 749 Treanor Avenue: Residents will see a sidewalk infill between the City Gate community to Lakewood Elementary School, the addition of streetlights, and drainage improvements.

594 to 540 Atkins Rd.: Atkins will be getting a sidewalk infill close to Savory Elementary School.

Matson Road, from Brock Avenue to Ruth King Elementary School: With a $250,000 contribution from SD62, money will be going towards the addition of more formalized parallel parking along Matson Road. This update will go alongside the Ruth King Elementary School modular building construction; along with these updates will be a path and sidewalk infill along Matson Road on Ruth King Elementary School property.

Hoylake Avenue: Millstream Elementary School and Hoylake will be connected through a sidewalk infill, along with additional formalized parking scallops.

Happy Valley Road, from Englewood Avenue to 3422 Happy Valley Rd.: Happy Valley Road will also receive a sidewalk infill to support safe access to Happy Valley School and the Galloping Goose Trail; there will also be the addition of a crosswalk on Hazelwood Road. 

Glen Lake Road, from Alouette Avenue to Sooke Road: There will be connection to an existing sidewalk at Belmont Secondary School through a sidewalk infill, and bike lane improvements throughout. 

Bellamy Road from Treanor Avenue to Bellamy Link: Millstream Elementary School will see a new multi-use path in close proximity.

Veterans Memorial Parkway at Goldstream Avenue Intersection: A multitude of upgrades will happen at this intersection, including increased pedestrian and cyclist refuge areas, elephant foot crossings for active transportation and micro-mobility riding, and a review of signalization timing.

ICBC’s Contributions for School Zone Consistency: The addition of red school zone boxes and vertical school zone tabs.