Work is underway to install 240 kilometres of rumble strips across the Southern Interior to improve motorist safety.

Dunwell Landscaping was awarded a $161,000 contract to carry out the work, which is expected to finish in October. The contract will include the installation of centreline and shoulder rumble strips along 12 different highways throughout the Southern Interior. Also included in the contract is two kilometres of recessed pavement reflectors along Highway 3A west of Nelson at Beasley Bluffs. The project is cost-shared between the Province and ICBC.

Rumble strips have been proven to significantly reduce the number and severity of collisions on highways by warning drivers that they are wandering out of the driving lanes. Studies have shown an overall 18 per-cent reduction in all crashes resulting in injury on B.C. highways with rumble strips.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom:

"Statistics prove that rumble strips reduce the number of collisions on our roads and lessen the severity of collisions that do happen. This simple solution saves lives and makes travel on our highways safer for everyone."

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond:

"Road safety is a key priority for this government; that includes on-going investments that improve our roads including rumble strips. We want to enhance road safety and reduce accidents and injury and rumble strips have been a practical and affordable way to help achieve those goals. In fact statistics tell us that on highways that have had rumble strips installed there have been significantly fewer crashes."

Quick Facts:

* B.C. began applying rumble strips to highways in 2004.

* There are more than 5,100 kilometres of rumble strips on B.C. highways.

* Rumble strips applied on the centre line show a 29 per cent reduction in off-road left and head on collisions on two-lane undivided rural highways in B.C.

* Rumble strips applied on the shoulder show a 22 per cent reduction for off-road right collisions on two- and four-lane rural highways in B.C.

BACKGROUNDER

Locations of rumble strips and reflectors

Highway 1

* Albert Canyon Hill

Highway 3

* Nine Mile Pit to Rock Creek

* Paulson Br to Sheep Creek Rest Area

* Yahk Weigh Scale to Ryan Bridge

* East of Elko to Fernie Ski Hill Road

* Hosmer Passing Lane

Highway 3A

* Beasely Bluffs (rumble strips and recessed reflectors)

Highway 5

* Helmer Road to Clapperton Brake Check

Highway 5A

* Napier Lake to Roche Lake Road

Highway 5N

* Jane Road to Mclure Ferry Road

Highway 6

* New Denver to Hills

* Lumby East

Highway 26

* Blue Ridge Road to L-500 Forest Service Road

Highway 33

* Trapping Pit to Mculloch Road

Highway 93

* Wasa to Junction of Kootenay River Bridge

Highway 95

* Nicholson to Golden Overhead

Highway 97

* Pinaus Lake Road to Falkland Bridge

* OK Bridge to Kaledan Junction (97/3A)

* Plett Road to Ewing Road

* Cody to Australian Rest Area

* Trout Creek to Lakeshore Drive

Contact:

Kate Trotter

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 508-5506

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect