Esquimalt will begin planning the second phase of upgrading the Craigflower Road corridor after being awarded $4.9 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The approved funding will cover the full cost of Phase 2 with construction scheduled to begin in 2010. The Craigflower Road Corridor Upgrades will improve road access and safety conditions for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and residents.
Gilbert Côté, Director of Engineering & Public Works for the Township of Esquimalt commented on the significance of the funding. “The Craigflower Road Corridor Upgrade is the biggest road job in Esquimalt in the last 30 years. This is the first time I have ever seen a funding grant that covers 100% of a project’s cost. This funding will see the complete stretch of Craigflower Road in Esquimalt upgraded from what was originally constructed as a rural highway to an urban road which is designed to accommodate all road users.“
Phase 2 of the upgrading project will take place along a one kilometre stretch of Craigflower Road between Garthland Road and Admirals Road. The project will include a complete repaving of the roadway surface, median islands, centre lane for left hand turns, marked bicycle lanes, continuous sidewalks along both sides of the road, a new traffic light, street lighting, and an improved storm water management and treatment system using underground structures and a rain garden.
“The Craigflower Road upgrade will promote the use of green transportation in Esquimalt,” says Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins. “The Gas Tax Fund will contribute to Esquimalt’s on-going efforts of developing a sustainable community while reducing the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Gas Tax Fund delivers infrastructure funding to local governments and other eligible recipients primarily for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Funding is also available for planning projects that contribute to the sustainability of communities and regions. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities administers the Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
For more information contact:
Gilbert Côté, Director of Engineering & Public Works
Township of Esquimalt
Phone: 250-414-7147