Caption: Construction barges and excavators work in the Gorge Waterway near the Selkirk Trestle.
VICTORIA: Beginning Aug. 17, crews working on BC Hydro's Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project will undertake a critical phase of construction – installing new cable conduits beneath the Gorge Waterway from Banfield Park to Viaduct Park. To safely complete this work, a round-the-clock marine closure will be in effect on the west side of the Selkirk Trestle from Aug. 17 to Aug. 26, restricting all marine traffic and swimming within the work zone.
The closure is expected to last up to 10 days, depending on conditions. During the closure, crews will move and install a 660-metre conduit assembly into a pre-excavated underwater trench spanning the Gorge Waterway. The conduits will house and protect the new transmission cables, helping ensure reliable electricity service between Victoria and Esquimalt for decades to come.
Crane barges and multiple support vessels will be active in the area. For safety, water users must stay clear of the work zone during the closure. The Banfield Park dock will remain open, and signage and pilot boats will be in place to help guide waterway users.
Caption: Aerial view of the Gorge Waterway and Point Ellice Bridge in Victoria, B.C.
Construction activities will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours to take advantage of favourable tidal conditions. Outside the temporary closure period, the Gorge Waterway will remain open, with navigation routes around the construction area continuing as they have since late May.
The work is authorized under the Fisheries Act and the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. BC Hydro has been providing weekly project updates to approximately 50 recreation groups, associations, businesses and individual waterway users to support awareness of construction activities, navigational considerations and the upcoming marine closure.
This work supports the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project, which will replace a corroded underground transmission cable installed in 1980, and is now at high risk of failure. The new cable will improve reliability, address seismic risks, and help meet the growing energy demand in Greater Victoria. For more information and updates, visit bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468