â–º Listen Live
â–º Listen Live
HomeNewsProtected turning light coming to Highway 16 crossing this fall

Protected turning light coming to Highway 16 crossing this fall

The Ministry of Transportation says a dedicated left turning signal will be installed at the intersection of Vance / Cowart Roads and Highway 16. Similar upgrades are coming to the intersection of Ferry Avenue and Highway 16.

Exactly one week ago a 15-year-old girl was killed at the Vance Road crossing when the SUV she was driving in was t-boned by a pickup truck. (previous story) A petition was launched the day after the accident calling for changes, attracting over 8,000 signatures.

“We have heard the community’s concerns regarding these intersections with unprotected left-turn signals. Safety is always our highest priority and that is why we’re taking action over the summer to upgrade these intersections to include a dedicated left-turn signal,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone in a statement

“These improvements will be underway shortly and once completed, motorists will have more protection when turning left from the highway at Ferry Avenue, Vance and Cowart Roads.”

- Advertisement -

Prince George-Valemount MLA, Shirley Bond adds work on the troubled intersection was being done but was expedited after last week’s tragedy.

“22,000 vehicles a day use this corridor. A lot of analysis had been done and was continuing but it was important the work was moved ahead so we can continue to look at ways to improve the traffic flows and safety issues along the corridor.”

Improvements will see the installation of separate, protected left-turn signals in the centre median, providing a fully-controlled left-turn access for vehicles, while stopping oncoming traffic. Construction will start later this summer.

These improvements are estimated to cost $500,000. The ministry is also in preliminary planning on long-term improvements for this corridor, with design work starting in 2017.

** A previous headline stated the there was an ‘advanced’, turning light being installed. That already exists, a fully protected signal will be installed.

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading