Friday, January 21, 2022 – Thank you to the community for your patience and understanding as the district works to remedy concerns with our local road system.
In our town core this week, we have had a combination of weather-related repairs and remaining corridor work that has coincided, causing frustration and challenges for many in our community, staff included.
Our team is working hard to address the transportation needs of the community. It will take time; we have a long way to go. I am pleased to provide you with this local road update and will continue to do so as further projects in the community progress.
It is anticipated that both corridors (Church Road and Otter Point) will be completed over the next 6-8 weeks. Most major delays are behind us now as all deep utility works are finished as well as curb works, road grading, most paving, and the majority of the concrete pours for the sidewalk infrastructure. Minor delays are still anticipated while these corridors are being finished and final construction is realized.
The simultaneous completion of these corridor projects occurred to realize $1.8 million in funding. I know it has been inconvenient. It was not a decision made lightly. We are in the home stretch for these two projects and the enhancements will be something to celebrate!
Crews are tending to Charters with temporary repairs this week and design is being completed for major upgrades. Design for Charters North is currently at 60%. We are conducting geotechnical drilling, scheduled over the next two weeks, to determine the extent of the poor fill material utilized initially to construct the road. The final design should be realized over the next 8 weeks, once we have the results from geotechnical drilling.
Our team is meeting with Emergency Management BC in hopes of securing emergency funding, as recent major storm events caused additional damage to Charters. This funding may help us address the major upgrades to this corridor before 2023, as is currently identified in the five-year financial plan. I will keep you informed as timelines on these upgrades are finalized.
Crews also responded to the weather-related damage on Otter Point Road this week – areas in the 2100 block of Otter Point have been excavated and new road base has been applied. Paving will take place after the asphalt plants re-open in February/March.
Delays are frustrating but are to be expected as this critical work is done. Your patience is appreciated. Please know our team is working hard to improve the transportation networks in the community and continue with the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan.
It is a privilege to work in the community I live, and to work with a team that cares about seeing Sooke realize its potential.
In addition to district projects, other temporary impacts to roads may take place due to utility works, events, and other activities. As noticed is received, the District posts planned traffic events on the district website.
If you are looking for information on the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, please visit letstalk.sooke..ca/tmp. The Transportation Master Plan has a 10-year horizon and was developed, thanks to community input and in conjunction with the Parks and Trails Master Plan.
I invite you to also subscribe to the District’s electronic newsletter where you can be kept informed on local road projects and other district activities.
If you notice potholes or have particular road concerns you are uncertain if the district is aware of, please give us a call at 250.642.1634. Working in collaboration with the community helps us to respond more quickly.
Respectfully,
Jeff Carter
District of Sooke Director of Operations