Five new transit exchanges and bus priority lanes are coming to communities in the Comox Valley Regional District.

The $8.8-million project was funded by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the CVRD and BC Transit.

The transit exchanges will be constructed in four locations – south Courtenay, downtown Courtenay, downtown Comox, and North Island College – as well as Oyster River in the Strathcona Regional District.

Since the announcement of the funding in February, BC Transit, the CVRD and the local municipalities have been engaging key stakeholders and reviewing designs.

The first two exchanges to be built will start construction this summer at the downtown Comox and North Island College locations.

Each exchange will include concrete bus bays or curb areas that can accommodate heavy-duty buses.

The project will also include improvements to pedestrian and road infrastructure, new bike racks, new larger bus shelters, and the construction of a dedicated operator washroom facility at the south Courtenay exchange.

Details about possible impacts to traffic and/or bus routes will be released closer to the construction dates.

Community members ready for a better way to travel can visit Comox Valley BC Transit for details.