New bus-on-shoulder lanes are open on the Colquitz River Bridges over Burnside Road in Saanich, helping people using public transit get around more quickly.

“These new bus-on-shoulder lanes on the Colquitz River Bridges along Highway 1 will help keep buses moving reliably through busy traffic and improve travel times for commuters during peak hours,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “With construction of this portion of the project complete, people will notice a smoother, faster commute right away.”

The new bus-on-shoulder lanes allow buses to bypass congestion at a key pinch point, helping transit riders get through the corridor faster during peak travel periods.

“The new bus-on-shoulder lanes at the Colquitz River Bridges will make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” said Stephanie McLean, MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke and federal Secretary of State (Seniors). “This work will save commuters time and support more sustainable transportation choices. Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports long-term growth.”

The new lanes create a more continuous transit corridor between the existing transit lanes along Douglas Street and Highway 1 and the McKenzie Interchange. The lanes will also connect to the future Highway 1 bus-on-shoulder project that is under construction between the McKenzie Interchange and Colwood. It is expected to be finished in 2027.

“The opening of a bus-on-shoulder lane across the Colquitz Bridges is an important step toward faster, more reliable travel for everyone travelling on a bus along Highway 1,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, “The extension of the current transit lanes strengthens our RapidBus service and reinforces public transit as an efficient, reliable transportation solution for moving people between the Westshore and downtown Victoria.”