The Province is adding 30 web cameras to its DriveBC network this year, giving motorists more opportunities to check real-time traffic, road and weather conditions as they plan their trips. Six of these will be in Northern B.C.

In the Northwest, webcams are coming to Highway 16 between Kitwanga and Terrace and between Terrace and Smithers, and to Highway 37 between Kitwanga and Dease Lake. The Province is also adding webcams in the New Aiyansh and Granisle areas.

These 30 new webcams, along with the addition of a number of construction cameras from around the province, will bring the number of webcam images available on DriveBC to over 250, with 38 of these in Northern B.C. Installations are scheduled to begin this spring, and it is anticipated all will be in operation before winter.

Priority for new web cameras is given to routes prone to extreme weather or traffic congestion, and for sites where there isn't already a nearby webcam.

To help ensure easier, safer trips, DriveBC provides timely road condition updates, travel advisories, road closure information for provincial highways, weather information and other important links to the travelling public.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"The popularity of DriveBC shows that drivers are making smart choices before they leave on a trip. It is important to know what the road conditions are like along your route, and these new webcams give motorists an excellent tool to help them plan a safe journey."

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"DriveBC's new webcams give motorists the opportunity to find out road and traffic conditions in real-time so they can plan their trip before they leave. The cameras are particularly important in areas like the North where the weather can change very quickly."

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad -

"We live in an area with often adverse weather conditions. The addition of three new webcams will help motorists plan ahead. It's always better to 'know before you go'."

Quick Facts:

• DriveBC is the Province of B.C.'s most popular website.
• The Province launched the DriveBC website in 2005.
• DriveBC receives an average of 2.9 million visits per month.

Learn More:

See DriveBC's webcam images at: www.drivebc.ca

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

April 25, 2012 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Confirmed 2012 web camera locations

Northern Interior:

Highway 16 between Kitwanga and Terrace

Highway 16 between Terrace and Smithers

Highway 29 at Hudson's Hope

Highway 37 between Kitwanga and Dease Lake

Highway 113 near New Aiyansh

Highway 118 at Granisle Highway

Southern and Central Interior:

Highway 1 Silver Sands/Sorrento area

Highway 3 between 3 and 3B (Bombi Pass)

Highway 3A at Balfour Ferry Terminal

Highway 3A at Nelson

Highway 3A at Devito Road, Trail

Highway 5 at or near Barriere

Highway 5/16 at Tete Jaune Cache

Highway 23 at Galena Bay Ferry

Highway 24 west of Little Fort

Highway 97 Summerland/Trout Creek area

Highway 97 between Williams Lake and Quesnel

South Coast/Fraser Valley/Vancouver Island:

Highway 1 at Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue, Saanich

Highway 1 at Colwood Interchange, View Royal

Highway 1 at Annis Road, Chilliwack

Highway 1 at Highway 5 and 3 junction, Exit 177, Hope

Highway 1 at Jackass Mtn. Summit

Highway 1 at Cobble Hill/Cowichan Lake Road

Highway 3 at Highway 5, near Hope

Highway 3 at Sunday Summit

Highway 4 at Tofino/Ucluelet Junction

Highway 9 at Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge

Highway 14 east of Port Renfrew

Highway 19 at Highway 30 south of Port Hardy

Highway 19 at French Creek

Contact:

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