By early fall, a dedicated left turn traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Vance and Cowart Roads and Highway 16 in Prince George, as well as the intersection of Ferry Avenue and Highway 16, west of Highway 97, improving safety for motorists at these locations.

“We have heard the community’s concerns regarding these intersections with unprotected left-turn signals. Safety is always our highest priority and that is why we’re taking action over the summer to upgrade these intersections to include a dedicated left-turn signal,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “These improvements will be underway shortly and once completed, motorists will have more protection when turning left from the highway at Ferry Avenue, Vance and Cowart Roads.”

The current traffic signal provides an advance green left-turn arrow, but also allows drivers to turn left when they find a gap in oncoming traffic after the initial protected phase. Improvements will see the installation of separate, protected left-turn signals in the centre median, providing a fully-controlled left-turn access for vehicles, while stopping oncoming traffic. Work will begin soon with design and procurement. Construction will start later this summer.

“This is one of Prince George’s busiest corridors, with over 22,000 vehicles per day. With these high volumes, priority must be made to ensure all intersections along this corridor are brought up to the highest standard of safety,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “I would like to thank Minister Stone and ministry staff for their commitment to this important work.”

“This improved, left-turn traffic signal at these intersections will be a welcome safety improvement for motorists travelling along this corridor,” said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris. “It is important that our infrastructure keep pace with the needs of the community and the changing traffic volumes. I look forward to seeing these changes implemented by the fall.”

These improvements are estimated to cost $500,000. The ministry is also in preliminary planning on long-term improvements for this corridor, with design work starting in 2017.