Trestles & Trails

Over the past three months, the RTWL team has made steady progress, and the project is on schedule to begin construction this summer. Design work has moved forward, with plans refined through collaboration with partners and interested and affected parties. Environmental reviews, permitting, and construction planning are now underway to prepare for the next phase of work.

Selkirk Trestle

Design work for the Selkirk Trestle rehabilitation is underway. Stantec has been engaged to complete detailed design in coordination with provincial partners. Staff are reviewing early design materials, and additional updates will be shared as the work progresses.

Swan Lake and Brett Avenue Trestles

Concept design work for the Swan Lake and Brett Avenue trestles continues. Recent heritage feedback is being integrated as staff prepare the next stage of design refinement.

Spring 2026 Milestone

Brush clearing and selective tree removal between Culduthel Road and Gorge Road has been completed. This work took place on the trail to support upcoming site improvements, including planned trail widening, and was scheduled outside of the bird nesting period to reduce environmental impacts. Thank you to trail users and nearby residents for their patience during the temporary daytime delays.

Working Together: Projects along the Regional Trails

Several projects are underway along or adjacent to the Regional Trail network. When possible, the CRD coordinates closely with partner agencies to minimize impacts to trail users and to increase public benefit from complementary investments. Below is a summary of current and upcoming projects that may affect Regional Trail use.

CRD Regional Trail Closures & Impacts

BC Hydro: Victoria–Esquimalt Cable Replacement

BC Hydro is replacing an aging transmission cable with a new oil‑free submarine and underground system. Construction includes work in the Gorge Waterway and adjacent park spaces. Due to marine and environmental work windows, temporary trail impacts may occur, with closures and detours communicated in advance.

• Read more about the Victoria–Esquimalt Cable Replacement project.

BC Hydro continues work adjacent to the E&N Regional Trail between Hereward Road and Devonshire Road. The trail remains open, however users should expect partial closures and intermittent delays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to allow for construction activities and equipment movement. Construction started on March 23 and will continue through mid May.

BC Hydro work near the Galloping Goose Regional Trail through Viaduct Park is anticipated to result in a further closure beginning June 1, 2026. This closure is expected to remain in place through February 2027 as the City of Victoria and the Capital Regional District advance related projects in the area. Trail closures and detour information will be posted in advance of each phase. Beginning in late May, during active work periods, only the south lane of the trail is available. Cyclists are required to dismount and proceed through the work zone as directed. Traffic control personnel are onsite to assist trail users.

BC Ministry of Transportation: Galloping Goose Trail at Six Mile Road

The Ministry of Transportation has been undertaking bridge replacement work west of Six Mile Road on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. This work has required temporary trail impacts and a signed detour for pedestrians and cyclists. We thank trail users for their patience and cooperation during this project.

• Read more about the Galloping Goose closure west of Six Mile Road in View Royal

BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit: Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge

Construction of the Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge (over Tillicum Road at Highway 1) is scheduled to begin in summer 2026, with opening anticipated in early 2028. The new bridge will provide a fully accessible, dedicated crossing for Galloping Goose users.

• Read more about the Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge project

BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit: Highway 1 Bus on Shoulder McKenzie to Colwood

Dedicated bus lanes are being constructed between the McKenzie and Colwood interchanges as part of BC Transit’s RapidBus program. Construction began in 2025 and is expected to continue through late 2027. As part of the project a multi-use bridge is being completed on the Galloping Goose Trail. There is a closure of the Galloping Goose Trail adjacent to this work with a detour currently in place along Watkiss Way.

• Read more about the temporary closure on the Galloping Goose between Island Hwy and Watkiss Way
• Read more about the Highway 1 Bus on Shoulder project

City of Colwood: Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge

Construction of the new pedestrian and cycling bridge is now complete.

• Read more about the Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge opening

Looking Ahead: 2026 to 2028 Construction Overview

Whether you cycle to work, walk with friends, jog for fitness, or use a mobility device, your trail experience will be improved. 

Starting over the summer in 2026, we will be constructing the GGRT section from Gorge Road to Switch Bridge. We will also begin construction of a detour to accommodate work on this section. When confirmed, the details of the detour will be shared on our project website at crd.ca/rtwl and on the CRD's Facebook page.

In 2027-2028, we will be constructing the GGRT section from Switch Bridge to Grange Road, with priority given to the section leading to the new Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge to coordinate detours. We will also be constructing the section of the GGRT from Gorge Road to Selkirk Trestle, including the trestle rehabilitation, and the Lochside Regional Trail from Switch Bridge to McKenzie, including the rehabilitation of the Swan & Brett Trestles.

As construction progresses, we are asking everyone to help keep our construction zones and our trails safe and welcoming.

• Follow posted signage
• Slow down near construction zones and on detours
• Do not enter fenced-off work areas
• Cyclists yield to pedestrians and share the trail respectfully
• Keep pets leashed and under control
• Use lights and reflective gear at dusk or dawn
• Be extra cautious and visible at road crossings. Right-of-way varies depending on the municipality
• Make eye contact with other trail users when crossing busy sections

CRD staff will be at Go By Bike Week Celebration Stations on Sunday, May 31, helping launch our refreshed regional trail safety campaign, Share the Trail.

• Switch Bridge Celebration Station in the morning
• Langford Celebration Station in the afternoon

Stop by to connect with staff, pick up resources, and learn how the Share the Trail campaign supports safer, more respectful experiences for everyone using regional trails.

• Project: Regional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening & Lighting
• Scope: Renew three trestles (Brett, Selkirk, Swan Lake); widen up to ~6 km of trail; add LED lighting
• Design: 6.5 m wide separated pathway where possible (approx. 4.0 m cycling / 2.5 m pedestrian + shoulders)
• Budget: $53.5 million (grant and CRD capital funding)
• Timeline: Design & permitting 2023–2025; Selkirk below deck renewal 2024–2026 (complete); widening/lighting phases 2026–2028
• Annual trail visits: ~3.8 million

• CRD RTWL Project
• CRD Alerts
• BC Hydro Victoria–Esquimalt Cable Replacement
• MoTT Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge
• MoTT Highway 1 Bus on Shoulder McKenzie to Colwood

Thank you to everyone who uses our trails! You are part of what makes our regional trail system the heart of active transportation in our region. Your patience during construction, your commitment to safety and courtesy, and your passion for these public spaces inspire us to keep improving safety and comfort for everyone.



— The CRD Regional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening & Lighting Project Team