Approximately 23 kilometres of Highway 5A will be resurfaced this summer to further increase safety and improve the ride along this corridor. The project will go to tender this week.

Both lanes of Highway 5A will be resurfaced from the head of Nicola Lake to Stump Lake Ranch. New delineators will be added to this stretch of highway to improve visibility. This work builds on the over $9.5 million invested in Highway 5A improvements since 2001 to improve safety for all motorists.

Other safety improvements coming to Highway 5A include the installation of an additional LED curve warning sign, and a new roadside pullout that will provide a safe site for Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement officers to conduct roadside mechanical inspections. Both projects are in development.

Since 2011, safety improvements and increased enforcement levels have resulted in a 50-per-cent drop in serious collisions involving commercial trucks, and a 70-per-cent drop in truck speeding violations.

Nearly 1,000 vehicles per day use the corridor, with commercial truck traffic accounting for approximately 35 per cent of daily traffic. Current traffic volumes are below those of the early 1980s when Highway 5A was the primary route for all traffic between Merritt and Kamloops.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“This major resurfacing project is the latest in a series of investments by our government into safety improvements for Highway 5A. Our stats show this work is paying off, with a greater awareness on safety by motorists resulting in fewer serious crashes.”

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart -

“Highway 5A is such an important corridor for the movement of people and goods. These measures recognize the concerns expressed by local motorists, and will improve safety for all users.”

Learn More:

To read the report on Highway 5A, go to: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/reports_and_studies/index.htm

Contact:

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