Construction and traffic congestion on campus

Both the University of Victoria and the City of Saanich have active construction sites underway on and around campus, which will cause traffic congestion during the first few weeks back to school. 

Ongoing work on the National Centre for Indigenous Laws and the Engineering expansion project have reduced Ring Road to one lane in construction areas and will slow traffic during peak times. City construction on the corner of McKenzie Avenue and Gordon Head Road will cause slowdowns heading into the McGill Road entrance to campus. Work on the bike lane on McGill road may disrupt traffic from time-to-time as well. The City of Saanich is also completing road upgrades on Sinclair Road. 

There may be traffic disruptions through this area. Please be aware and exercise caution around construction sites and follow all construction signage and safety personnel on campus.

View construction map

Engineering Expansion Project

The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science expansion project consists of two buildings: a 6-storey Engineering and Computer Science Expansion (ECSE) that is an extension to the ECS building, and a 3-storey High Bay Research and Structures Lab (HBRSL).  The new facilities will accommodate the growing Civil Engineering Program, providing research and teaching labs, as well as classrooms, faculty offices and meeting space. Currently foundations are being formed and poured, and civil underground work is being completed.  Target completion for this project is Fall 2026.

Ring Road is reduced to one lane in front of the Engineering Expansion construction site. The pedestrian sidewalk along Ring Road in front of the Engineering buildings is closed and an alternate pedestrian route is provided across the street via a temporary gravel path.

National Centre for Indigenous Laws Project

The National Centre for Indigenous Laws (NCIL) at UVic will be a place to share Indigenous legal traditions, housing the first law program in the world to combine the study of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous laws. The building is an expansion to the Fraser Law Building and will provide classrooms, gathering spaces, research and office facilities, as well as upgrades to the existing Fraser building. Currently the building exterior is being completed, and interior work is ongoing. Target completion for this project is Spring 2025.

Ring Road is reduced to one lane in front of the NCIL construction site. Alternate pedestrian access to and around the Fraser building is provided through clearly marked signage.