The E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector is, as the name implies, being constructed largely within the E&N Rail corridor.

The project began in 2009 and once completed will stretch 17 kilometres to provide a non-motorized transportation link between the West Shore and Victoria.

The completion of the Esquimalt portion of the trail finishes phase one of the project and opens a nine-kilometre portion, stretching from Esquimalt to Burnside roads. This phase of the project cost approximately $1.1 million.

B次元官网网址淭his part of the trail isnB次元官网网址檛 even officially open yet, but weB次元官网网址檝e already had people walking and riding their bikes along the path. ItB次元官网网址檚 actually pretty great to see the level of interest,B次元官网网址� said Dan Marten, senior project engineer with the Capital Regional District responsible for the project.

Once completed the entire trail will come with a price tag of more than $36 million, with funds coming from the Federal Gas Tax Fund, Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program, B.C. Local Motion Fund, the Provincial Cycling Infrastructure Program, and the CRDB次元官网网址檚 capital funds.

B次元官网网址淥ur next priority is the completion of the portion that leads all the way up to the West Shore,B次元官网网址� said Marten. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l be applying for funding through the Gas Tax Fund so itB次元官网网址檚 important for us to have our application for those funds nailed down and in place.B次元官网网址�

Beyond the run up to the West Shore, a few missing links still exist within the current path system. A connector route is planned from the Johnson Street Bridge to the rail crossing at Esquimalt Road. Where the E&N Rail Trail crosses Admirals Road, there is a section that cuts through Songhees First NationB次元官网网址檚 land. That section, along Maplebank Road to Hallowell Road, has not been undertaken as negotiations continue.

The next phases will link the trails together.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com