E&N route to offer another option for commuters, walkers

The E&N rail trail is scheduled to break ground in Langford this month, paving the way for Greater Victoria’s third regional trail.

Capital Regional District Parks plans to build the first 1.8-kilometre gravel section along the E&N right-of-way from Jacklin Road to Selwyn Road, near Savory elementary school. Trail sections in Esquimalt and three bridges are slated to be built by 2010.

“It’s a significant step to get this underway and on the ground,” said Jeff Ward, manager for CRD Parks.

Parks also plans to pave 2.5 km of the Galloping Goose Trail from Atkins to Wale roads from Oct. 5 to 30. That section will be closed during paving.

With $11.8 million available for a project estimated at $22.7 million, much of the rail trail will use existing bike lanes and the Galloping Goose to create a contiguous route from downtown Victoria to Langford, at least in the near future.

Even that could be a problem in View Royal, where gaps in bike lanes could remain after the planned $7.4-million Island Highway overhaul next year.

The E&N rail trail was originally awarded $11.8 million in gas tax and LocalMotion grants, although revised engineering plans doubled the project budget. CRD Parks has applied for more senior government funding, but the project hasn’t made the cut in recent federal infrastructure announcements.

“The CRD will continue to work towards a paved, multi-use pathway built entirely within the E&N right-of-way as funding becomes available,” said Christopher Causton, chair of the CRD Parks committee. “Like development of the Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails, it will take time.”

Ward expects to issue bridge tenders this month and bridge construction to start early in the new year. Two bridges will span Island Highway at Four Mile Hill, separating the rail line and the trail. A third bridge is slated for Hereward Road near the Victoria-Esquimalt border.

Trail sections from Esquimalt Road to Colville Road and then to Island Highway, about 4.8 km, are also planned for 2010. For more details, see www.crd.bc.ca/parks/e_n_railtrail.htm.

editor@oakbaynews.com