emailE&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector
Construction Progress
Phase 1
Phase one of the E&N Rail Trail, a paved pedestrian and cycling trail, provides a 14.3 kilometre contiguous route from Esquimalt Road in the City of Victoria to Jacklin Road in the City of Langford. The route is comprised of newly constructed rail trail, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, as well as cycling lanes and sections on municipal roads. The trail will form a key part of the regional trail network.
The trail is being constructed in a phased approach as funding allows. Phase 1 development includes the construction of 9.1 kilometres of new trail alongside the train tracks within the rail corridor, three trail bridges and one rail bridge. Construction of sections of Phase 1 began in October 2009. The goal is to have Phase 1 of the trail in place in 2012.
Construction Progress
Underway ~ Esquimalt Road to Admirals Road (2.3 km)
Construction of a section of the E&N Rail Trail from the intersection of Admirals and Colville Roads in Esquimalt to Esquimalt Road in Victoria is underway. The first portion of work including construction of 2.3 kilometres of trail surface is nearing completion. Due to requirements by the rail operator for public safety, this section of trail must be closed until the intersection upgrades are complete. The second portion involving improvements to five road intersections, including upgrades to rail signals and pedestrian crossing infrastructure, is on hold until the future of the railway is determined by the rail operator and other parties.
While there is currently no passenger service running on the line, it is still considered an active railway and therefore subject to all safety requirements to which the CRD must adhere. We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to construct this new regional trail.
Completed ~ Selwyn Road to Jacklin Road and Bridges
Trail and rail bridge construction were completed in February 2011, which included three new trail bridges at Helmcken Road, Hereward Road and Island Highway, and a new rail bridge at Island Highway.
Trail construction from Selwyn Road to Jacklin Road (1.8 km) was completed in February 2010. Intersections, which are subject to federal rail safety guidelines, assessments and final design in consultation with rail operator were completed in March 2011.
Paved the Galloping Goose from Atkins Road to Wale Road (2.5 km) in November 2009 as part of the contiguous route.
Coming ~ Admirals Road to Island Highway
This section of trail is in the planning and design stage. Discussions are ongoing with Public Works and Government Services Canada, Songhees Nation, Esquimalt Nation, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Town of View Royal and Township
of Esquimalt.
Construction of the section from Hallowell Road to Island Highway at Four Mile (0.7 km) is anticipated to start in April 2012.
Future Phases and Funding
The vision for this multi-use trail is to have future sections built entirely within the rail corridor. As funding becomes available, it will gradually stretch from the Johnson Street Bridge in Victoria to Humpback Road in Langford, a distance of 17 kilometres. Phase 1 of the project is funded by the federal gas tax fund, BC LocalMotion Fund, Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, Bike BC program and the CRD. The entire project is estimated at $36 million. The CRD currently has $14.3 million in available funding and continues to discuss funding opportunities for future phases with federal and provincial governments.
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