VICTORIA: Starting today, crews will begin mobilizing barges to facilitate the next phase of work for the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project, which will install a new electrical conduit beneath the Gorge Waterway between Viaduct Park and Banfield Park. This work will impact the Galloping Goose Trail, the Banfield Park Trail, and marine traffic through the summer.
Viaduct Park Trail closure
Starting at 7:00 a.m. on June 1, a section of the Galloping Goose Trail through Viaduct Park will be closed to all pedestrians and cyclists until the end of summer. During this time, trail users will follow a one-kilometre detour via:
- Waterfront Crescent
- Jutland Road
- Cecelia Road
- Napier Lane
- the pathway through Cecilia Ravine Bike Park
Routes for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users will be maintained to ensure accessibility and safety. Detour maps and signage will be posted on site.
BC Hydro is closely coordinating with the City of Victoria and the Capital Regional District (CRD), as their planned infrastructure upgrades north of Viaduct Park will close additional sections of the Galloping Goose Trail, requiring a modified detour starting at Viaduct Park and extending as far north as Culduthel Road. This work may begin as early as mid-July and is expected to continue into 2027. More information is available on the CRD's website.
Banfield Park Trail closure
The trail within Banfield Park will also be closed to support marine construction activities. This closure is expected to begin on June 15 and continue through October 15. Trail users will be redirected via:
- Raynor Avenue
- Tyee Road
- Regatta Landing
Signage will be in place to support safe travel through the area.
Marine activity and waterway impacts
Barge mobilization has begun in the Gorge Waterway, and the work is expected to continue through September 30. Two crane barges and multiple support vessels will be active in the area, travelling to and from the work site. Construction will take place during both daytime and nighttime hours to align with high-tide conditions. Crews will install approximately 660 metres of conduit about 1.5 metres below the sediment.
In August, a full closure of the waterway to through traffic will be required for up to 10 days near the Selkirk Trestle so crews can safely lower the conduit into place. The actual closure dates are expected to be provided in July.
BC Hydro is working with the City of Victoria to keep the Banfield Park dock open during construction, though users will be required to stay clear of the work area to ensure safety.
This work supports the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project, which will replace a corroded underground transmission cable installed in 1980 that is at high risk of failure. The upgrade will improve reliability, address seismic risks, and meet growing energy needs in Greater Victoria.
For more information, visit bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468