Effective immediately, motorists on Highway 99 in Richmond are advised to follow new overhead flashing lights and yield to public transit buses at the southbound Highway 91 on and off ramps, and the southbound Westminster Highway on ramp.

The new flashing lights have been installed as part of a new shoulder bus lane project, which are dedicated lanes that allow buses to avoid traffic congestion and improve service for passengers. Many motorists will be familiar with this flashing light system - it is used on the existing northbound Westminster Highway to Bridgeport Road shoulder bus lane.

The flashing lights will be activated during the testing period. Testing of the shoulder bus lanes is underway now. RCMP will be on hand to ensure motorists are obeying lights and enforce proper use of the lanes.

Use of shoulder bus lanes is restricted to transit buses and emergency vehicles only. The other lanes on the highway, including HOV lanes, are for all motor vehicles and people should continue to use those.

The new shoulder bus lanes are southbound from Sea Island Way to Westminster Highway and northbound from Steveston Highway to Westminster Highway, which connects to an existing shoulder bus lane north to Bridgeport Road.

Shoulder bus lanes are dedicated sections of highway shoulders that allow buses to bypass traffic congestion and improve the reliability of transit service.

Testing will be complete in early October and the official opening of the shoulder bus lanes will occur then. Watch for more details on Twitter @DriveBC or @TranBC or on: www.DriveBC.ca

For more information: www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Hwy99_Bus_Lanes/index.htm

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241