Increased public safety, improved traffic flow efficiencies, and enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists are four of the primary goals for the installation of the District of Oak Bay’s newest traffic light and street upgrades at the intersection of Lansdowne Road and Foul Bay Road.  A popular route for cyclists and pedestrians attending Camosun College and the University of Victoria, Foul Bay Road has over the years become a major regional corridor for transit and regional bike networks.  Upgrades include a new northbound bike share lane and new pedestrian timers and audible signals at the cross walks.  The replacement traffic light features an actuated controller that is triggered by the presence of vehicles as well as bike traffic.  Upgrades at this busy intersection were undertaken in cooperation with the Municipality of Saanich who simultaneously are working on improvements to the bike lane on the north side of Lansdowne Road.  

“This intersection is the most highly travelled intersection in our community, and these important upgrades reflect the changing transportation patterns that we are seeing on our roads,” explained Oak Bay Councillor Michelle Kirby who is also a dedicated cyclist. “The new traffic light can sense vehicles as well as bikes and this recognition is designed to better manage traffic flow and improve safety. The new bike lane for north bound cyclists will make navigating this busy intersection safer and more enjoyable for all.”

The District of Oak Bay (the District) undertook a comprehensive traffic study in 2013 to inform the traffic pattern alterations along with the automated features for new traffic light. The project promotes safety, and improves the street experience for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Over the past 15 years, the District has upgraded 9 intersections to keep pace with evolving transportation patterns, and the growing numbers of cyclists and pedestrians on the roads.

The total cost of the Foul Bay Road and Lansdowne Road intersection project is $232,000.00. The District received partnership funding from the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC), the Government of BC and the Capital Regional District (CRD) in support of the project’s commitment to public safety and greater pedestrian and cyclist participation. 

Project Funding Information:

The Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Transportation contributed $52,828.00 from its BikeBC cost-sharing program. Oak Bay was one of 22 communities to receive funding under this provincial program that helps local governments build cycling projects that attract and support commuter, recreational and tourism cyclists and pedestrians. The funds contributed directly to the Foul Bay and Lansdowne intersection bike lanes and bike loop detectors. For more information about BikeBC, visit: www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC

Quote: Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Todd Stone:

“The importance of cycling infrastructure in our communities is a common theme we hear when talking to British Columbians about their transportation priorities. Our BikeBC program supports those priorities and this year’s funding will be used for projects across the province, from Sooke to Williams Lake to Prince George.”

Under the CRD’s Innovation Infrastructure fund, the Capital Regional District (CRD) directed $75,000 from the federal Gas Tax Fund to the extension of the Foul Bay Road bicycle lane and installation of bicycle-activated traffic lights as part of the implementation of the CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan.  In addition, the CRD contributed $8,571.00 to support the development of a bicycle wayfinding plan and the installation of signs along the Haultain route as part of the implementation of the CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan. Click here for more information.

Quote: CRD Active Transportation Program Manager, Jennifer Black:

“The CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan envisions the region as a place where walking and cycling are key components of an integrated transportation system. In partnering with the District of Oak Bay, the CRD is working toward the goal of connecting communities across the region via a seamless cycling and walking network appropriate for users of all ages and abilities.”

ICBC contributed $40,350.00 to support traffic pattern improvements that promote greater vehicle flow efficiencies and public safety.

Quote: ICBC Director, Lindsay Matthews:

“We were pleased to work together on improvements to Lansdowne Road and Foul Bay Road to help make roads safer for everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s director responsible for road safety. “Fewer crashes and injuries will also lower claims costs and help keep rates as low as possible for our customers.”

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For more information please contact:

Dave Marshall, Director of Engineering Services, Oak Bay - cellphone: 250-812-7114