Improvements along the Trans-Canada Highway to reduce delays and increase safety continue in areas near Revelstoke. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone provided updates on projects that include avalanche control and the implementation of speed reading technology.

“Improving the safety and mobility of the Trans-Canada Highway is a priority for me and my ministry, not just from the perspective of growing the economy and moving goods and services from the coast to the rest of Canada, but to the people living along this stretch that use this corridor every day,” said Stone. “That’s why we’re delivering on the commitments we made in 2015 as part of BC on the Move to reduce both the frequency and duration of highway closures due to avalanches, improve traffic flow and make the highway safer, all while sticking by our commitment to four-lane the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to the Alberta border.”

The ministry has installed and is currently field testing the first phase of the new Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) near Three Valley Gap outside of Revelstoke, which will allow for avalanche control on a 24-hour basis throughout the winter. The systems will allow operators to fire the charges remotely so that avalanche control can be completed at any time, under any weather condition. Crews have installed four systems this fall on the south side of Three Valley Lake. These are being field tested prior to going into operation this winter. Additional systems will be installed next year. The total cost for these systems is $6 million.  

$12.5 million was committed to installing digital variable speed limit signs throughout the province, with 18 speed signs located along Highway 1 from Perry River to Revelstoke. These electronic signs will adjust the speed limit according to conditions and will require drivers to slow down and reduce their speed in bad weather. Whether it is extreme cold, freezing rain or heavy snowfall, an extensive system of traffic, pavement and visibility sensors are calibrated to detect the conditions and provide a recommended speed to operations staff located in the Regional Traffic Management Centre in Coquitlam. The recommended speed will be used to update the speed limit shown on digital signs, to help drivers know a safe driving speed during adverse weather conditions.

The ministry has also installed a new traffic light signal timing system called Automax, which will help traffic flow more efficiently through Revelstoke and Golden. If an intersection gets a line-up of vehicles, Automax will detect it, using loops installed in the pavement. Traffic-signal timing is adjusted automatically to relieve intersection congestion. This system has been installed at three signalized intersections along the Trans-Canada in Revelstoke and two in Golden.

These improvements mean traffic moves more safely and efficiently, communities are better connected, and businesses can distribute their products efficiently throughout the province, and to ports and borders beyond.

Since 2001, the provincial and federal governments have invested or committed more than $980 million on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and the Alberta border to improve reliability and to upgrade the highway to a modern, 100 kilometres/h, four-lane standard.

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To learn more about B.C. on the Move, visit: http://ow.ly/Zfrn305B7G6