Construction has begun on a new double roundabout to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Latoria Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway. It's one of several transportation upgrades designed to accommodate growth in this area of Colwood as the Royal Bay, Royal Beach, Olympic View and nearby Langford neighbourhoods build out. Planning is also underway for the expansion of Latoria Road, beginning with environmental and geotechnical assessments to ensure the protection Latoria Creek.
The initial work will include installing a large underground box culvert across Veterans Memorial Parkway along with underground utilities.
The project is scheduled to be completed in the Fall 2023. We appreciate your patience as these improvements are expected to cause traffic delays at times.
Why a roundabout?
Traffic studies have determined that the current three-way stop at the intersection of Latoria Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway will not meet future needs. In addition, Olympic View development plans include extending Veterans Memorial Parkway through to the Olympic View property, so this will become a 4-way intersection.
Safety: Roundabouts improve safety as one-way traffic and angled entry lanes reduce the chance of t-bone or head-on collisions. They also have a slowing effect, forcing drivers to brake as they navigate around the central island and eliminating the impulse to speed up to beat a traffic light.
Flow: With no stop signs or traffic lights to halt traffic, roundabouts promote a continuous flow of vehicles that can reduce delays.
Environment: Improved vehicular flow reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and central islands offer landscaping options that a traditional concrete intersection does not.
Additional information about the use and benefits of roundabouts can be found on the ICBC website and will be shared when the roundabout opens.
What other transportation upgrades are planned in Colwood?
This is just the first of many transportation enhancements proposed to accommodate growth in Colwood over the next 10 to 20 years.
Sidewalks and Cycling: New sidewalks will be constructed on seven routes in 2022/23 as part of a 10-year program of sidewalk and cycling upgrades; a Galloping Goose Bridge over Sooke Road will make cycling through Colwood safer and more convenient; and an Active Transportation Network Plan will map out priority walking and cycling connections to further promote healthier alternatives to cars for some trips.
Intersection Upgrades: The following intersections have been identified for improvements over the next 5 to 20 years:
- The intersection of Latoria Boulevard and Metchosin Road is being upgraded with a traffic signal now.
- Intersection upgrades on Latoria Road at: Wishart Road.
- Intersection upgrades on Metchosin Road at Lagoon Road, Painter Road and Sooke Road.
- Intersection upgrades on Veterans Memorial Parkway at Allandale Road are scheduled to be complete this summer, future upgrades are planned at Cairndale Road.
Transit: BC Transit is working on queue jumper lanes to speed transit movement as they work toward Rapid Bus lanes between the West Shore and downtown Victoria. Designs for future transit improvements along Sooke Road in Colwood are also being considered.
Learn more
For more detailed background information about this project, please read the report that was presented to Council on January 13, 2020.
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Media Contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
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