Work will soon be underway to add a pedestrian signal at the intersection of Highway 16 and Main Street in McBride, announced MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond, on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“In discussions with village council, they indicated their concern about pedestrian and student safety in and around McBride,” said Bond. “After working with the Ministry of Transportation, I am very pleased to announce that a pedestrian-controlled crossing light will be installed at Highway 16 and Main Street and new school bus safety signs will be installed at several key locations along the highway. Ensuring that pedestrians are safe as they cross Highway 16, and with school underway, reminding drivers to pay attention to school buses is a critical priority.”

In May 2016, the Government of B.C. more than doubled fines for drivers passing school buses with flashing lights. This increase is designed to discourage drivers from ignoring flashing school bus lights. Drivers will continue to receive three penalty points on top of the increased fine of $368.

“This new crosswalk is an important piece of transportation infrastructure for our community,” said Village of McBride Mayor Loranne Martin. “It fits into our overall community plan, and will help safely connect residents and visitors to our popular cycling trail network.”

The pedestrian signal will be a flashing green light that will turn amber, then red, when the pedestrian presses it. Advanced warning signs will alert oncoming traffic of the changing signal once it has been pressed.

Work on the $230,000 project is expected to be completed by the end of September.

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: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove