The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is proceeding to fully enclose the Pat Road pedestrian overpass, to protect motorists on Highway 1 from objects thrown from the overpass.

The overpass will be covered with light-weight galvanized steel mesh to prevent vandals from throwing objects onto motorists below. This measure is being taken in response to two incidents within the last year, in consultation with the RCMP and the City of Kamloops.

A 3.6-metre-wide test section, the result of creative design and advances in materials, was installed on the overpass in January. This section was monitored to ensure it could withstand the load of ice and snow. The section performed well, and will be used as a template for the full enclosure.

The overpass enclosure will be 152 metres long. The project will be going to tender this coming week, with completion expected this spring.

The ministry urges the public to call police if they see anyone throwing or attempting to throw objects onto the road. Vandalism of this nature is extremely dangerous and has the potential to seriously injure or kill someone.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Our ministry staff developed a creative solution to a very disturbing problem at the Pat Road pedestrian overpass. Throwing objects onto a highway is a senseless, dangerous thing to do, and this enclosure will certainly improve safety for motorists on Highway 1."

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger -

"Enclosing the pedestrian overpass will make a big difference for the drivers below. Whether deliberately or accidentally, objects dropped from there onto the road are extremely dangerous."

City of Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar -

"These incidents of vandalism at the Pat Road pedestrian overpass were very concerning to us. They had the potential to seriously harm someone. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure acted quickly to address the problem, and their creative solution is a good preventative measure that will help protect motorists."

Learn More:

Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

Contact:

Craig Chambers
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 213-3953

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