Highway 1 Colquitz River Bridges project reaches completion

Strengthening a critical transportation link in Greater Victoria

The Highway 1 Colquitz River Bridges project has reached completion, marking a major milestone for transit users and communities in Greater Victoria, British Columbia. Mott MacDonald served as prime consultant on the project, supporting delivery of the widened bridges. The bridges recently entered service, improving connections for people traveling between downtown Victoria and Westshore while strengthening the resilience of a key transportation corridor.  

The project involved widening and seismically retrofitting both of the two-lane bridges over Burnside Road on Highway 1 and adding a dedicated bus-on-shoulder lane in each direction. These upgrades remove a long-standing pinch point and create a more continuous transit corridor, helping buses move more efficiently along one of the region’s busiest routes. According to the Province of British Columbia, more than 300 buses cross the Colquitz River Bridges each day, carrying thousands of riders.

Environmental enhancements were also delivered to protect the sensitive habitat in and around the Colquitz River. A new bridge deck drainage system, including a rain garden and sediment catch basin, helps treat roadway runoff before it enters the waterway. Native trees and vegetation have been planted in place of invasive species, supporting a healthier river ecosystem.  

We served as prime consultant throughout the project, from early scoping and seismic evaluation through detailed design and engineering support during construction. As Coordinating Professional Engineer, our team oversaw civil, hydrotechnical, electrical and geotechnical disciplines. 

“We have been involved in the project since 2018, and it is fulfilling to see the bridge widening work and other improvements reaching completion,” said Arman Shahnaz, principal engineer and engineer of record at Mott MacDonald. “Beyond improving transit reliability and safety for the traveling public, this project will leave a lasting impact on the Greater Victoria region.” 

As part of broader efforts to enhance transportation across Southern Vancouver Island, the completed project supports faster, more dependable travel while delivering long-term resilience and environmental benefits for the region.