Tillicum Active Transportation BridgeGalloping Goose Trail Enhancement

The Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure for southern Vancouver Island. This 100-metre (330-foot) bridge will span Tillicum Road, connecting the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and eliminating one of the most frustrating bottlenecks for the trail's 3,000+ daily users.

Announced by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, this project addresses a critical gap in the regional trail network. Currently, trail users must wait for lengthy traffic signals at the busy intersection of Tillicum Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, creating delays and safety concerns for cyclists, pedestrians, and other trail users.

Design & Engineering

The bridge will feature two three-metre-wide (10-foot) lanes, providing ample space for bidirectional traffic of cyclists, pedestrians, and other trail users. The design incorporates accessibility features including ramp access to sidewalks and appropriate inclines to ensure the bridge is usable by people of all mobility levels.

Strategic connections will be built to existing sidewalks, intersections, and rapid bus stops, creating seamless integration with the broader transportation network. This multi-modal approach supports the region's goals of encouraging sustainable transportation choices and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Trail Network Impact

Once complete, the Tillicum Active Transportation Bridge will eliminate one of the last signalized crossings on the Galloping Goose Trail between downtown Victoria and the Lochside Trail connection. This represents a major milestone in creating an uninterrupted, grade-separated active transportation corridor across the region.

The bridge will significantly improve commuting times and safety for the thousands of people who use the trail daily for recreation, exercise, and transportation to work or school. It also supports tourism, as the Galloping Goose Trail is a major attraction for visitors to Vancouver Island.

Construction Timeline

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the bridge expected to open to the public by mid-2026. The relatively straightforward timeline reflects the project's focused scope and the province's commitment to rapidly improving active transportation infrastructure.

During construction, temporary detours will be established to maintain trail connectivity, though some disruption to normal trail operations is expected. The project team will coordinate closely with trail users and local communities to minimize impacts during the construction period.

Community Benefits

Beyond improving trail connectivity, the bridge project supports broader community goals around climate action, health promotion, and economic development. By making active transportation more convenient and appealing, the bridge encourages more people to choose cycling and walking for their daily trips.

The project also enhances property values in the surrounding area and supports local businesses that benefit from trail traffic. Restaurants, bike shops, and other services along the trail corridor often see increased customer traffic from trail users.