The budget for extending Douglas Street’s 24-hour southbound bus lane one kilometre between Tolmie and Hillside avenues has increased by 105%, according to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission (VRTC).

 

Originally costed at $2.1 million, the project’s early 2017 tendering process yielded bids described as “significantly over budget.” The unanticipated rise in costs forced transit officials to sideline the bus lane extension and reassess the budget.

 

“An analysis of the bid responses identified that higher costs were due to the unusually high level of construction work (particularly roadwork) occurring in the region, impacting the availability of workers and also materials such as concrete and asphalt. Construction costs for roadworks in the region continue to stress municipalities with project costs exceeding anticipated budget allocations,” reads a statement issued by the VRTC.

 

Newly-released figures now confirm the project will proceed to the tune of $4.3 million, or $2.2 million above the original budget.

 

Despite the jump in costs, the chosen bid is described as $365,000 below the lowest bid received during the first tendering round, a savings realized as part of an "amended tender document" that reflected "discussions with the construction industry."

 

Construction on the bus lane is expected to begin early next year with “substantial completion” scheduled by October 31, 2018.

 

The bus lane extension is not the only road work project impacted by rapidly rising costs, however.

 

The City of Victoria's protect bicycle lane network, currently being extended along Fort Street between Wharf Street and Linden Avenue, will come at a cost of over $14 million, a near-doubling of its initial budget of $7.75 million.

 

City of Victoria officials say that despite the cost increase, construction of the 5.4 kilometre first phase of the bicycle network will continue. C