Transportation and Transit
The Province is committing $8 million to additional concrete median barrier and other safety improvements on the Malahat.
Five sections of new concrete median barrier, totalling 5.4 km, will be added to the Malahat starting this year. When complete, over 40 per cent of the Malahat corridor will be separated with median barrier.
Other safety improvements include priority intersection upgrades at Finlayson Arm Road, Shawnigan Lake Road and the Malahat village, additional enforcement pullout areas, installation of an advanced weather advisory system, and improved lighting, signage and roadside delineation. These improvements along Highway 1 will significantly increase safety along this key transportation corridor.
These improvements were given priority after carefully considering the advice of ministry and consulting engineer experts, reflected in the Malahat Corridor Safety Review, as well as the direct input of key stakeholders, including first responders, safety advocates and local residents.
The Malahat Corridor Safety Review report is available on the ministry's website at:
Quotes:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -
"I want to thank all those who have contributed to our review of safety on the Malahat, particularly those law enforcement and safety advocates who passionately and respectfully voiced their concerns. These new sections of barrier and other safety improvements will immediately benefit motorists, and help make this highway safer."
Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong -
"The safety of motorists on the Malahat is a high priority for this government. We're making a significant investment in the corridor on centre median barrier, improved lighting and intersection upgrades, which will improve safety for everyone who uses the highway."
Malahat Safety Advocate Chelsey Dollman -
"I am grateful that I was able to give a voice to many people who shared my concerns with safety on the Malahat, and I can say to them today that the commitment and immediate action I have seen from Minister Lekstrom is timely and unwavering. For the safety of all who use the Malahat, I'm pleased that such significant improvements are on the way."
Malahat Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Patterson -
"These improvements to Highway 1 are good news for people on Southern Vancouver Island. Median barriers and other safety measures, in combination with enforcement and good driving habits, will help ensure the safety of motorists who rely on the Malahat."
Quick Facts:
- The Malahat is the section of Highway 1 located between the West Shore Parkway and the Bamberton Overpass.
- The Malahat is approximately 20 km long and currently has 3 km of median barrier.
- On average, over 22,300 vehicles travel the Malahat daily.
Learn More:
For a map of the improvements to the Malahat, visit: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/malahat/docs/Malahat_Safety_Improvement_Projects_MAP.pdf
Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca
Watch a video from the announcement: http://youtu.be/W9zaeUCwuec
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Craig Chambers
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 387-5798
BACKGROUNDER
March 29, 2012 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Malahat safety improvement projects
Median barrier projects:
Spencer Road: installation of 500 m of concrete median barrier from Spencer Road to 100 m north of the new Leigh Road overpass.
North of West Shore Parkway: widening the roadway and installation of 400 m of concrete median barrier.
North of Finlayson Arm Road: installation of 1.4 km of concrete median barrier by removing the northbound passing lane.
Tunnel Hill to Aspen Road: widening the roadway and installation of approximately 2 km of concrete median barrier.
South of Shawnigan Lake Road: widening the highway and installation of approximately 1 km of concrete median barrier south of the intersection.
Additional priority safety improvements:
Finlayson Arm Road: installation of a flashing beacon and intersection lighting, and construction of a northbound acceleration lane from Finlayson Arm Road.
Shawnigan Lake Road: construction of a southbound acceleration lane.
Malahat Village: construction of new acceleration and deceleration lanes and enhancing signage.
Summit Lookout/Arbutus Rest Area/Rock Cut View Point: installing additional improvement measures to prevent southbound access.
Entire corridor: installation of additional enforcement pullout areas, enhanced lighting, an advanced weather warning system and improved signage.
Contact:
Craig Chambers
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 387-5798
