The B.C. government is acting on recommendations made by the community, with a $3-million investment to improve safety at the Highway 17/Sayward Road intersection in Saanich.

Work will begin tonight to install a new overhead "congestion ahead" warning sign northbound on Highway 17 in advance of the Sayward Road intersection. This sign, similar to the sign on Highway 17 southbound at Beacon Avenue, will warn motorists of heavier traffic ahead and improve safety at Sayward Road.

In addition to this new sign, the government of B.C. has further safety improvements planned for Sayward Road. These include northbound acceleration and deceleration lanes, relocation of the northbound bus stop with a transit queue jump lane, and improvements to the southbound bus stop. Project development and property acquisition are underway, with construction expected to begin in spring 2013.

A working group with representatives from the local community, Saanich, CRD parks and BC Transit was established in 2011. The purpose of this group was to help identify the key safety concerns, provide feedback and make recommendations for improving the safety of the intersection.

The majority of the work is expected to take place at night. If daytime work is required, motorists can expect minimal and intermittent traffic disruptions. The ministry thanks the public in advance for their patience.

Over the past 10 years, the B.C. government has invested more than $548 million on road and bridge improvements and maintenance on Vancouver Island.

This work supports the B.C. government's B.C.'s Families First Agenda by improving road safety. British Columbia has an expansive highway system that connects families throughout every region of the province, and ensuring these highways are as safe as possible is essential.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Moving forward on safety improvements at the Pat Bay Highway/Sayward Road intersection is a priority for my ministry. This investment will go a long way towards improving safety at one of the region's most crash-prone intersections."

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong -

"As an island resident, I've seen firsthand the safety issues at this busy intersection. The improvements announced today will significantly improve the flow of traffic and make the highway safer for everyone."

District of Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard -

"Saanich Council is pleased to see safety issues addressed at this intersection as the result of significant public consultation."

Learn More:

The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

A high-resolution infographic of the improvements is available to download at: http://bit.ly/NxuxhK

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

Contact:

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