Build it and they will come.

ThatB次元官网网址檚 what the City of Colwood is hoping for, after announcing Monday that funding has finally been secured for a new overpass over Island Highway to improve connection on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The estimated $4.9-million project, projected for completion in 2026, will be boosted by a $3.6-million grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Currently, the trail is broken up by a couple of obstacles. When the trail meets Wale Road in Colwood, users must venture south a couple hundred metres to the intersection at Island Highway, wait to cross at the light, then head westward a short ways to reconnect with the pathway further up the four-lane road.

The bridge would span the busy road and allow users a more quick and easy connection to the next section of the Goose, which runs south of Sooke Road and crosses it at the Royal Roads University entrance.

B次元官网网址淧icture a beautifully designed bridge at the gateway to Colwood with cyclists cruising safely above the traffic on a gorgeous, seamless ride through Colwood and beyond to other areas of the region,B次元官网网址� Mayor Rob Martin said in a release. He expects the overpass to increase the number of cyclists and pedestrians using this part of the trail.

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As of last week, approximately 57,000 pedestrians and cyclists on the trail had been recorded in 2022 by the automated counter at the junction with Wale Road.

The project was highlighted as a need for the community in ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 official community plan in 2018 and the transportation master plan in 2015. A feasibility study was done in 2016 but funding wasnB次元官网网址檛 available at the time.

Colwood will contribute roughly $1.4 million to the project with reserve funding set aside for community amenities, according to the city.

Staff are working with federal, provincial and regional partners to begin B次元官网网址渟coping the project,B次元官网网址� with design work and costing starting in 2023 and the project set to be completed before the 2026 funding deadline.

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