Quote:
Originally Posted by Mininari
You're right about that.
But I'm sure we'll see some more upgrades to the Vancouver Island Highway...
I guess thats not bad... it could use some more interchanges, extra lanes... maybe the 72ave interchange fund can be diverted to finish Hwy 17 (on the island) to a full freeway status... maybe a full bypass for the Malahat... LRT for Victoria?
Don't get me wrong, the Island deserves infrastructure construction too...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Metro-One
A full expressway between Victoria and Nanaimo is a dream of mine, but it would have to be tolled. I would settle for #17 being converted into a full freeway as well.
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When the Vancouver Island Highway Project was under construction during the 1990's, detailed plans were in place to upgrade Hwy 1 along the Malahat through most of Goldstream Provincial Park.
An interchange of Hwy 1 with McKenzie Ave. was also to be constructed.
Hwy 17 was also planned for an expressway standard upgrade along its entire length in 1990.
But hardcore-enviros, part of the NDP base, yelled and screamed, so the then NDP government nixed those ideas. Then cabinet minister Moe Sihota (now NDP party prez) has confirmed that on many occasions.
Nope. No more highway development on Van Isle with the NDP. Perhaps lrt and the E & N line upgraded to smaller version of the WestCoast Express. But that will be it. Same with Metro Vancouver. Perhaps the Broadway Corridor and lrt south of the Fraser.
The only highway development that will likely occur in BC will be continued twinning of Hwy 97 and Hwy 1 to the Alberta border, albeit at a slower pace. You can bank on that. Remember, the BC NDP (its leader, NDP MLAs/candidates, and its base) is the most left-wing in Canada and highway/freeway development is anathema to them, esp. in metro/urban/suburban/built-up areas.
The new Pattullo Bridge will be nixed as well.