Project Summary C-180 Admirals Road active transportation improvements
A project detail sheet for the proposed Admirals Road improvements project.
Project Summary
Priority: Strategic Public Engagement: Consult
Project Name: Admirals Road active transportation improvements Project Number: 2-2-11105-310 CC1283/1-2-03200-630
Executive Summary
This project was included in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. Improving active transportation infrastructure on Admirals Road is identified as a top priority in the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP). Project delivery will be complex as it will involve developing conceptual and finalized designs with engagement from the public, MoTI, District of Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, and the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.
While detail design and associated costs are identified in 2026, Council may see staff reports in 2025 (subject to engagement with the above noted interested parties) as a decision will need to be made regarding what design concept to proceed with. A ‘funding to participate’ budget item is included in 2025 to support engagement with both Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.
Business problem and opportunity
This roadway is classified as a major road, carrying approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. Filling in this important active transportation network gap would improve accessibility to the Town’s commercial centers and the regional E&N trail network. Furthermore, the ATNP identifies the possibility of removing an excess southbound travel lane on Admirals Road to accommodate new dedicated cycling, transit and pedestrian facilities on both sides of the street. This project would also explore significant improvements to the Island Highway / Admirals Road intersection to safely convey all road users through the two major roadways.
The ATNP also identifies ‘quick build’ facilities: fast and affordable active transportation facilities that can be temporary in nature, at a fraction of the cost of permanent facilities. The road corridor could benefit from quick build facilities and would be further informed as part of the concept and detail design stages of the project. Preliminary construction costs are informed on estimates provided by the ATNP. The design budget includes anticipated conceptual design and engagement costs.
Proposed project objectives
- Present conceptual options through the engagement process to establish design guidelines
- Develop a shovel-ready detailed design
- Construct active transportation improvements (depending on the prioritization of all AT projects within the Town’s five-year financial plan)
Business risks
Support from MoTI, Songhees, and Esquimalt nations is critical to delivering the project. A ‘funding to participate’ amount is recommended to be incorporated into the design budget to foster meaningful involvement with First Nations.
Proposed sources of funding
- Capital: Design – DCCs up to a total of $588,326 2-1-2-1-00600-179, Casino revenue 2-1-00557-866
- Construction: DCCs*, provincial grants, pending availability and approval 2-1-2-1-00420-111
- *
- Operational: Taxation
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 3000 | 300,000 | 4,335,000 | 0 | 0 | 4,638,000 |
| Operational | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Total | 3,000 | 300,000 | 4,335,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 4,640,000 |
Benefits
- Tangible: Improved active transportation facilities and safer roadway operations.
- Intangible: Accomplishment of ATNP recommendation.
Recommendation
THAT the 2025-2029 Financial Plan include Admirals Road active transportation improvements, funded by DCCs, Casino revenue, and provincial grants (pending approval).
Submitted by: Ben Lubberts, Deputy Director of Engineering Director Ivan Leung, Transportation Services
Additional Information
Conceptual improvements on Admirals Road noted on page 71 of the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan.
(D) Admirals Road / Island Highway
As part of the recommended critical corridor improvements for Island Highway and Admirals Road, the Town will need to improve this intersection to facilitate safer connections for people walking, rolling, and cycling. The intersection could benefit from the inclusion of audible signals, LPI, and the removal of the channelized right-turn lanes at the northwest and southwest legs. Removal of the channelized right-turn lanes—or redesign the channel as a “high entry angle’ or ‘smart channel’—should be a high priority to improve pedestrian and cycling safety.
Major intersection improvements to Admirals Road and Island Hwy noted on page 80 of the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan.