Drivers and people using public transit are being advised of significant traffic delays this Friday as crews continue to pave Victoria Street West.

Three lanes – two east bound and one west bound – are scheduled to be paved this Friday from the Mustard Seed to Boomers Automotive.

City Councillor Mike O’Reilly says the work is still on track to be done by November, barring any unforeseen weather issues.

“So there will be significant delays, longer than what we’ve seen,” he said. “So we are asking that people, if you can, change your traffic patterns. Try and avoid that are as much as possible, but this will be a significant paving week, and it will really help move this ahead.”

O’Reilly though notes city staff are very happy because the project is well ahead of schedule.

“It’s a great news story with how far ahead this project is, “O’Reilly added.

The city says bus routes 1 – Tranquille, 2 – Parkcrest, and 3 – Westsyde will be directly impacted as they pass through the construction zone. However, because of connections with the rest of the transit network, the delays will be felt on all routes at various times during the day.

“The project is on schedule to have all lanes of traffic paved and open and pedestrian access restored throughout the corridor by the end of 2019, as long as weather conditions remain favourable,” noted Capital Projects Manager Darren Crundwell. “In spring and summer of 2020, landscaping work will continue, hydro poles will be removed, the remaining sidewalk panels will be installed, and any additional remaining work will be completed.”

Drivers are also being reminded that the 30 km/hr speed limit will still be in effect throughout the entire construction zone, westbound from Lansdowne Street at 2nd Avenue to the Overlanders Bridge and eastbound from the Overlanders Bridge to Seymour Street West across from the BCLC upper parking lot access.

RCMP say the fines for speeding in a work zone start at $196.