VICTORIA: BC Hydro is extending its cable duct bank work along Douglas Street by a week, after crews encountered challenging ground conditions and a dense network of underground utilities that have slowed progress. Work on Douglas Street is now expected to be completed by February 20.
Electronic message boards have been updated to reflect the revised timeline, and drivers are encouraged to allow extra time, use caution and expect delays.
Douglas Street will remain reduced to a single lane in both directions until February 20. The turning lane from Douglas Street onto Burnside Road, along with the northbound lane of Burnside Road, are also expected to reopen by that date. However, the southbound lane of Burnside Road near Douglas Street will remain closed until February 27.
Once crews complete work on Burnside Road, they will move to the 600 block of Dunedin Street, where additional traffic adjustments will be in place. Local traffic will be able to reach lower Burnside Road from Jutland Road only, with traffic control personnel on site to assist. The east end of Dunedin Street will be closed at Burnside Road, with access to the 600 block available from Sumas Street.
Work in the Douglas Street corridor began January 12 and supports the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project, which will replace a corroded underground transmission cable installed in 1980. The new 230-kilovolt, oil-free, insulated cable will span 2.3 kilometres beneath city streets in Victoria and Esquimalt, with a portion crossing under the Gorge Waterway. The upgrade will improve system reliability, reduce seismic risks and support growing electricity demand.
BC Hydro continues to work closely with the City of Victoria to coordinate schedules and align traffic management plans. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we complete this critical work to maintain a safe and reliable power supply for Greater Victoria.
For more information and project updates, visit bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468