Bay Street envisioned as east-west corridor
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Bay Street is Victoria's last traffic artery without bus service but on Dec. 28 that will change as the first step is taken in a long-term plan to transform the corridor.
B.C. Transit's Route 10 bus will make 44 trips in each direction on workdays, linking the Royal Jubilee Hospital to western Esquimalt. To accommodate buses along the narrow route, B.C. Transit will pick up the tab for building four bus bays, two at Wilson Street and two near Cook Street.
As the population in Vic West continues to grow, the City of Victoria has also identified Bay Street as a major potential transportation route. City staff has proposed a long-term design plan including enhanced sidewalks, increased public green space and bike lanes.
"As we secure properties over the next 15 to 20 years, they'll be opportunities to provide additional amenities," said Brad Dellebuur, city transportation planner. Bike lanes can be introduced in the interim but only at a cost to some on-street parking, he told city council's governance and priorities committee on Nov. 19. "On-street parking tends to be something that residents care about so we'll look for opportunities for that type of amenity."
Coun. Philippe Lucas acknowledged the potential conflict.
"I know that this is going to be controversial for the people that live on Bay Street but this is a natural transit route," said Lucas, who bikes the route often.
"If we're going to start in January 2010, I certainly would like to see a bike right-of-way left hand turning lane," he said, pointing to a dangerous intersection at Vancouver Street. "It's quite terrifying."
The interim design cost estimate is $8.4 million and includes complete reconstruction of the road between Shelbourne Street and Richmond Road, and between Cook and Quadra Street.
Councillors voted to move the design plans forward for public consultation.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
