When considering connections from the West Shore to the Capital Region’s Core Area, we have a tendency to think about mode-based routes from end to end, such as the Trans-Canada Highway for motorists, the E&N for rail, or the Galloping Goose Trail for recreational cyclists. When it comes to taking people where they want to go (see the data collection results), each has strengths and weaknesses as a potential Rapid Transit alignment.
For the study, the alignment options were broken into three segments: Segment A from the West Shore to the Colwood Interchange, Segment B from the Colwood Interchange to the Core Area, and Segment C from Uptown to Downtown. This provided an opportunity to “mix and match” segments to create the best overall rapid transit alignment from the West Shore to the Core Area, and within the Core Area from Uptown to Downtown. Click the graphic below for a full-size downloadable version of the alignment options, segment-by-segment.
Once the alignment options were identified, they were reviewed on a segment-by-segment basis to determine how well they scored against the project’s Guiding Principles. This preliminary screening process included consideration of public input received in open houses held in Victoria and the West Shore in June 2009, as well as sessions held in the Spring.
Based on the preliminary screening of the alignments, feedback from municipal planners and engineers, and the results of the public open houses, the following alignments were selected for a more detailed assessment. While a key consideration in these selections was the ability for a Rapid Transit system to coexist with existing uses of the alignments, the results of the E&N Rail Study being undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, especially with respect to possible Commuter Rail, may affect the ability to use the E&N alignment for Rapid Transit purposes.
Segment A: West Shore to Colwood Interchange
Segment B: Colwood Interchange to Core Area
Segment C: Uptown to Downtown
These concepts were subjected to additional analysis to identify a preferred alignment for detailed evaluation and recommendation purposes.
The preliminary short list was reduced to a preferred alignment by zooming in on more specific details, such as potential demand, opportunities for transit-oriented development near the route, connectivity with other modes of transportation, impacts on properties and green space, number of grade crossings, ability to construct and expand in stages, balancing system loads, and many more. The analysis also included consideration of the various rapid transit technologies. Click here for a display of the detailed screening criteria and results.
The detailed screening of shortlisted options resulted in the development of a preferred alignment, which has received the endorsement of the Victoria Regional Transit Commission and the approval of the BC Transit Board of Directors.
The approved, exclusive 16 kilometre transit alignment starts at the Station Avenue transit exchange in Langford. From the exchange it runs east between Station Avenue and the E&N railway, crosses over Veteran's Memorial Parkway and follows Goldstream Avenue to Island Highway where it turns north to the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. From there, the alignment follows the Old Island Highway to the Colwood Interchange, runs between the Galloping Goose and the Trans Canada Highway to Uptown, and then follows Douglas Street from Uptown into Victoria's downtown.
(Click map for downloadable PDF)