Check out this link to see some photos of the Trail being constructed beside the railway line in Esquimalt. I was down there yesterday and saw people walking on the nice smooth blacktop trail!
The route is already taking some of the traffic from the Galloping Goose trail, which sees a lot of commuters on bike and foot during the summer months. Even in winter, both trails are expected to see a lot of use. Recreational users as well as commuters are looking forward to the expected completion of the new trail. Here's the latest press release from The CRD on the new trail:
CRD Media Release
For Immediate Release
November 14, 2011
E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector Closed from Esquimalt Rd. to Admirals/Colville Rd.
Victoria, BC – Construction of a section of the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector from the
intersection of Admirals and Colville Roads in Esquimalt to Esquimalt Road in Victoria is
underway. Due to requirements by rail operator for public safety, this section of trail must be
closed until the intersection upgrades are complete. These upgrades are on hold until the future
of the railway is determined by the rail operator and other parties.
The first portion of work including construction of 2.3 kilometre of trail surface is nearing
completion. However, the second portion involving improvements to five road intersections,
including upgrades to rail signals and pedestrian crossing infrastructure is delayed due to
circumstances beyond the CRD’s control.
“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,” says
Lloyd Rushton, General Manager of CRD Parks and Community Services. “We ask for the
public’s patience and cooperation as we work to construct our next regional trail.”
The E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector is a commuter cycling and recreation trail that is being
built largely within the rail corridor in Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal and Langford. The trail is
being built in phases. Phase one is underway. It will provide a 14.3 kilometre contiguous route
from Esquimalt Road in Victoria to Jacklin Road in Langford. Eventually this multi-use path will
stretch from the Johnson Street Bridge in Victoria to Humpback Road in Langford. It will be an
important multi-use transportation link between Victoria and the Westshore. It will also form a
key part of the trail network managed by the Capital Regional District, which includes the
popular Galloping Goose and Lochside regional trails.
You can find additional information at http://www.crd.bc.ca/parks/e_n_railtrail.htm (including a map of the Galloping Goose and E&N Rail Trails).
Attachment: Rail Trail Bulletin
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Laurie Sthamann, Communications Coordinator
CRD Regional Parks
Tel: 250.360.3332 | cell: 250.889.8030
lsthamann@crd.bc.ca | www.crd.bc.ca/parks
