Various highways that run throughout British Columbia’s Interior will be used in a pilot project to help reduce the number of weather-related collisions.
Announced on Wednesday, December 2nd, a new provincial project will see to the installation of variable speed signs on sections of the Coquihalla, the Trans-Canada, and the Sea to Sky Highway.
“As a part of our Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review, we looked at how we could help reduce crashes related to bad weather conditions. One of the ideas was to introduce new digital variable speed limit signs, in areas where the weather can change quickly and sometimes catch drivers off guard,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “The electronic signs will adjust the speed limit to let drivers know what speed they should be travelling during winter weather conditions, to help them reach their destination safe and sound.”
Crews are currently working to install 18 variable speeds signs along Highway 1 from Perry River to Revelstoke, 13 along the Coquihalla from Portia Interchange to the former Toll Plaza, and 16 along the Sea to Sky from Squamish to Function Junction.
The pilot project will run for about two to three months before going live.
According to the provincial government, the digital signs will be highly visible to drivers, and the speed limit will be changed to reflect the current driving conditions.
In addition, overhead message signs at the entrance of each corridor will inform drivers that they are entering a variable speed zone, and to be aware of changing weather conditions.
The pilot project will cost $12.5 million to install, and is a part of the province’s $25 million per year Roadside Safety program.
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