Variable speed limit signs geared to change with weather and road conditions are now up and running in three locations in the province.
The Transportation Ministry activated several high-tech signs along the Coquihalla, Sea-to-Sky and Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke on Thursday to help reduce the amount and severity of weather-related crashes.
“It is important drivers understand that along these corridors, these signs aren’t speed readers — they are the law,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.
“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.”
A total of 47 digital signs were installed along the routes where weather can change quickly and catch drivers off guard. Eighteen speed signs were installed along Highway 1 from Perry River to Revelstoke, 13 on the Coquihalla from the Portia Interchange to the former toll plaza and 16 on the Sea-to-Sky from Squamish to just south of Whistler.
“Many highways in B.C. pass through different climate zones, and the Sea to Sky Highway is no exception,” said West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy in a statement.
“Motorists that drive Highway 99 are familiar with rapidly changing weather conditions, where it is not uncommon to experience sunny and dry conditions, as well as rain, sleet or a full-blown snowstorm somewhere along the way. These signs alert drivers to the need to adjust their speed to current conditions.”
Comments