Drivers travelling through the Saanich Peninsula are seeing a new connection between Highway 17 and Keating Cross Road following the completion of a major infrastructure project in Central Saanich. The $76.8-million project replaces a left turn across Highway 17 with an overpass, allowing drivers heading toward Keating Cross Road to cross above the highway instead of moving through opposing traffic. Highway 17 carries about 52,000 vehicles a day through the Saanich Peninsula, making the corridor a key route for commuters, commercial traffic and people travelling to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and Victoria International Airport. The project also permanently changed several nearby connections. Direct highway access to East Saanich Road, Martindale Road and Danica Place has been closed, while the southbound Highway 17 on-ramp toward Victoria was redesigned. Keating Cross Road was widened and a new sidewalk was added. The project also includes bus-on-shoulder infrastructure intended to support future rapid transit along Highway 17. “The completion of the Keating Cross Road Overpass is a major milestone for Central Saanich,” Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor said in a statement. “The new connection improves access to the Keating business district, supports more efficient travel through the community and enhances safety for all road users.” Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Stephanie McLean said in a statement the federal government’s investment will help improve connections for people travelling in the region. “The Keating Cross Road Overpass will provide safer journeys, better access to jobs and services, and more reliable connections for the thousands of drivers in Greater Victoria who rely on this vital corridor every day,” McLean said. The province contributed $57.6 million to the project, while the federal government provided $16.7 million and the District of Central Saanich contributed $2.5 million. The overpass opened to traffic in July 2025, with additional work continuing afterward. The project was identified as a priority under the South Island Transportation Strategy. Drivers can check DriveBC for current information about traffic restrictions and road conditions.
