Positive traffic changes will come into effect tomorrow at the Fawcett Road off-ramp from Highway 1 in Coquitlam, allowing general traffic to travel westbound onto United Boulevard during off-peak times of day, and all day on the weekends.

Six new signs have been installed, letting drivers know that general traffic will now be able to use the Fawcett Road exit to drive directly onto United Boulevard from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends. Prior to this change, the exit was restricted to commercial vehicles only.

“As part of B.C. on the Move, we are focused on making infrastructure improvements to move people and goods safely and efficiently on our transportation networks,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “In this case, it made sense to change the traffic flow access at off peak times, such as evenings and weekends, to allow better access to local businesses in the area for everyone, so we made the change.”

This traffic flow update will provide safe access to United Boulevard and local businesses during off-peak hours for everyone, when the traffic volumes are lower.

Fabrication and installation of the revised signs cost $30,000. The project began in June and is now complete. The ministry will continue to monitor the changes to ensure the Fawcett Road off-ramp remains safe and efficient.

“Local business owners have been asking for better access to United Boulevard, for their employees and for customers,” said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer. “With this change, daytime use during the week remains commercial trucks only, but evening and weekends will now be available to all vehicles, giving better access to various businesses in the area such as restaurants, the casino, and retail outlets.”

This project is part of B.C. on the Move, the B.C. government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.7 billion over the next three years to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.

Learn More:

B.C. on the Move is available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/