| February 8, 2010 SIDNEY- Completed enhanced warning systems will keep drivers safer and reduce rear-end collisions on southbound Highway 17 approaching Beacon Avenue. “The safety of our roads is imperative and thanks to the congestion warning system drivers will be able to take greater caution and travel safely,” says Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell. “This frequently travelled section of highway services not only Vancouver Island residents but visitors who may not be familiar with the challenges of the route.” Beacon Avenue is the first signalized intersection when travelling southbound on Highway 17 from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Despite the large volume of vehicles that can discharge from the ferry, traffic is generally free flowing until Beacon Avenue. The combination of congestion due to ferry traffic and the signalized intersection at Beacon Avenue has resulted in a high frequency of rear end collisions in the area. To reduce collisions approaching Beacon Avenue, the Ministry of Transportation had a congestion warning system installed in 2003. The congestion warning system includes an overhead sign with flashers at the McDonald Park Road pedestrian overpass, approximately 1.6 km in advance of Beacon Avenue. The flashers activate when a high volume of vehicles are detected. This project enhances and improves upon the existing congestion warning system in order to mitigate the southbound rear-end collisions occurring on Highway 17 approaching Beacon Ave. Completed project details include:
For more information about Murray Coell and the Saanich North & the Islands constituency, visit www.murraycoellmla.bc.ca. -30- | |
| © 2007 Government Caucus of British Columbia. All Rights Reserved. |