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First phase of McKenzie interchange work reaches halfway point

This story has been amended to correct an error in the original version that stated the McKenzie interchange construction is half way complete, while it is only the first phase of construction that is half way complete. The project is scheduled to be completed late in 2018. We regret the error.

This story has been amended to correct an error in the original version that stated the McKenzie interchange construction is half way complete, while it is only the first phase of construction that is half way complete. The project is scheduled to be completed late in 2018. We regret the error.

It’s a case of good before the bad as the Ministry of Transportation announced the first phase of construction for the McKenzie interchange has reached the halfway point.

Construction may be half completed but more significant delays are on the way. A second and final construction tender will be posted to B.C. Bid later this spring.

Currently there are night delays along the Trans Canada Highway. Specifically, a northbound right curb lane and centre-left lane closures are effective west of the McKenzie intersection from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until April 21.

Despite reports of drilling and blasting keeping residents up at night, Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell said there is only one complainant within Saanich that he knows of.

“Saanich called a resident to follow up on the complaint and I believe it was just the one incident,” he said.

The drilling and blasting is scheduled to finish in late April.

The Jacob Bros. contracted crews completing the first contract still have a number of tasks.

Still to be unloaded are a number of pre-loaded soil and materials to compress the existing soft soils. Vertical drainage to release groundwater will help speed up the soil settling process.

Work on the relocated Galloping Goose Trail includes retaining walls. The widened and realigned trail will connect to a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over McKenzie Avenue.

Among the more significant projects remaining are the relocation of a waterline and a temporary pedestrian bridge over the highway. The Trans-Canada Highway will also be lowered with ramps and an overpass to be built.

The second round of work will begin in summer 2017. The project is slated for completion in late 2018.

For McKenzie Interchange traffic updates visit drivebc.ca or Twitter with @DriveBC.

reporter@saanichnews.com

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Construction at the McKenzie Interchange has hit the halfway point but the greater traffic delays are still on the way. (Travis Paterson/News Staff)
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Blast mats, made of old rubber tires, migrate across the landscape as blasting continues during the first phase of the McKenzie interchange construction. (Travis Paterson/News Staff)