A new Neighbourhood Bikeway route that follows Washington Avenue and Whittier Avenue between Gorge Road East and Culduthel Road is now available.
Updated: Nov 5, 2026 - 2:06pm
Project Type
Construction
Project Status
Current
Project Category
Getting Around
Project Area
Saanich, Victoria
Estimated Cost
$53.5 million
Estimated Timeline
2026-2028
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is upgrading popular sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails to improve safety, accessibility and comfort for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The project includes renewal of the Selkirk, Brett and Swan Lake trestles, widening sections of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail between Selkirk Trestle and McKenzie Avenue, widening sections of the Lochside Regional Trail between Culduthel Road and the McKenzie Avenue and Borden Street area, and adding energy efficient lighting at selected locations. Widened sections will feature dedicated spaces for walking and wheeling and a separate two direction cycling pathway. Read more about Regional Trail investments and their impacts.
CRD regional trails recorded 4.4 million visits in 2025 and are a vital part of everyday active transportation. Approximately 80 percent of trail users are cyclists and 20 percent are pedestrians.
Concept rendering of the proposed Galloping Goose Regional Trail widening at Boleskine Road.
Current Construction Status
The CRD, City of Victoria and District of Saanich are coordinating construction along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail between Selkirk Trestle and Culduthel Road to reduce overall disruption. Work includes the City’s Cecelia Ravine Park Underground and Surface Upgrades and CRD trail widening, lighting and related improvements.
Temporary Closures
Trail closures and detour routes will change as construction progresses. The closure is expected to remain in place until spring 2027. An alternative Neighbourhood Bikeway detour for cyclists is available as of November 3, 2026 ahead of next the phase of work between Cecelia Road and Culduthel Road. Signed detours are provided for people walking, wheeling and cycling. Plan an alternate route and follow posted signs.
Summer 2026 to Spring 2027 | Galloping Goose Regional Trail Construction
Coordinated CRD, City of Victoria and District of Saanich construction along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail between Selkirk Trestle and Culduthel Road
CRD trail widening, lighting and related improvements between Cecelia Road and Culduthel Road, currently targeted to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Trail closures and detour changes as construction progresses
Fall 2027 | Selkirk Trestle Improvements
Widening, lighting and installation of a new surface on the Selkirk Trestle.
2027 to 2028 | Subsequent Construction Phases
Galloping Goose Regional Trail improvements between Culduthel Road and McKenzie Avenue
Lochside Regional Trail improvements between Culduthel Road and the McKenzie Avenue and Borden Street area
The CRD is delivering the Regional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening and Lighting Project in collaboration with municipalities, First Nations, provincial and federal partners, technical specialists, community organizations and accessibility advocates. This work integrates technical, environmental, cultural and accessibility considerations throughout the project.
Renewal of the Selkirk, Brett and Swan Lake trestles.
Widening of approximately four kilometres of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Widening of approximately two kilometres of the Lochside Regional Trail.
Separated spaces for people cycling and people walking or wheeling.
Energy efficient lighting at selected trail locations.
Improvements to trail safety, comfort and accessibility.
Trail improvements are being designed using universal design principles.
Separated spaces for cycling and walking or wheeling will support a wider range of users and travel speeds.
Accessibility considerations are being incorporated into pathways, crossings and trail connections where feasible.
Construction detours will aim to maintain accessible travel options wherever possible.
Detour information will identify known accessibility constraints where applicable.
Construction Zones and Detours
Follow posted signage.
Slow down and follow detours.
Do not enter fenced off work areas.
Share the Trail
Be informed: Learn and understand trail rules, traffic signage and signs, while keeping up to date on the latest safety regulations.
Be alert: Be aware of your surroundings, watch for other trail users and make eye contact with others.
Be visible: Wear light, bright and reflective materials and add lights or reflectors to your gear.
Be predictable: Communicate your intentions to fellow trail users by using your voice, hand signals, eye contact, lights or bells.
Be courteous: Follow posted signage, keep to the right, yield to others, mind your speed, alert others before passing, keep pets on leash and respect the environment.
Environmental, archaeological and geotechnical specialists inform project planning, design and construction.
The CRD works with First Nations to identify and protect cultural heritage values.
Project design and construction methods consider sensitive ecosystems and seek to reduce impacts on vegetation, wildlife and waterways.
Lighting design considers the distinct environmental, cultural and operational conditions at selected locations including Swan Lake and Selkirk Trestle.
Trail closures will occur in phases as construction progresses.
Signed detours are provided for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Detour routes may change as work advances.
Construction schedules may change due to weather, site conditions or project requirements.
Current closure and detour information is available through CRD Alerts.
Trail users should follow posted signs and construction directions.
The total project budget is $53.5 million.
The project is funded primarily through debt, with support from provincial grants and partnerships.
Provincial funding includes $500,000 from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program and $1.9 million from the Growing Communities Fund.
The CRD continues to pursue additional grants and partnership opportunities.
CRD regional trails recorded 4.4 million visits in 2025, and use is expected to continue increasing as the region grows and more people choose active transportation. Approximately 80 percent of trail users are cyclists and 20 percent are pedestrians. Increased use and different travel speeds can contribute to conflicts, particularly in busy urban sections.
The project will:
Improve safety and comfort for people cycling, walking and wheeling
Reduce conflicts between trail users travelling at different speeds
Support regional active transportation objectives
Improve visibility through lighting at key locations
Renew the Brett, Selkirk and Swan Lake trestles as they approach the end of their serviceable lives
The project includes:
Renewal of the Selkirk, Brett and Swan Lake trestles
Widening of approximately four kilometres of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
Widening of approximately two kilometres of the Lochside Regional Trail
Separated spaces for cycling and walking or wheeling
Energy efficient lighting at selected locations
Accessibility improvements throughout the project area
Construction will occur in phases between 2026 and 2028. Work will advance through multiple stages across the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails. Information about current and upcoming work is available in the Project Timeline and CRD Alerts.
Some trail sections will be temporarily closed while construction is underway. Signed detours will be provided where required and may differ for people cycling, walking or wheeling. Construction schedules and access conditions may change as work progresses.
Refer to CRD Alerts for current closure, access and detour information.
The separated pathway design provides dedicated space for different ways of travelling. It is intended to support current trail use, accommodate anticipated growth and reduce conflicts between people travelling at different speeds. The design also considers construction requirements, environmental impacts and long term trail operations.
The Regional Trails Widening Study completed in 2020 and the BC Active Transportation Design Guide recommend that energy efficient lighting be installed at selected locations, including intersections, underpasses and trail access points, to improve visibility and safety. Lighting in or near environmentally sensitive areas will reflect local ecological conditions and project requirements.
Environmental professionals, geotechnical engineers, archaeologists and Indigenous cultural monitors inform project planning, design and construction. Measures are incorporated to protect sensitive environmental areas and cultural heritage values and to reduce construction impacts where possible.
Public engagement conducted in 2021 helped inform project design and implementation priorities. The CRD continues to work with First Nations, municipalities, government agencies, community organizations and other interested parties as the project progresses.
The total project budget is $53.5 million. The project is funded primarily through debt, with additional support from provincial grants and partnerships. Provincial funding includes contributions from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program and the Growing Communities Fund.
Last Updated:
Territorial Acknowledgement
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
