Motorists on the Trans-Canada Highway between Revelstoke and Perry River may have notice some of the 18 new variable speed signs being installed in the past months.
The digitally-controlled signs will vary the speed limit on the highway during adverse weather or traffic conditions, such as icy roads, snow or traffic congestion.
The new system was announced formally this spring. On Dec. 2, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation provided an update on the signs, saying they will go live in early 2016 after a period of testing.
Video: A B.C. Ministry of Transportation representation of how the system will look. Click to watch.
“As a part of our Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review, we looked at how we could help reduce crashes related to bad weather conditions. One of the ideas was to introduce new digital variable speed limit signs, in areas where the weather can change quickly and sometimes catch drivers off guard,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.
The zone between Perry River and Revelstoke will have large overhead entrance signs letting motorists know they are entering a variable speed zone.
According to the ministry, it works like this: “Whether it is extreme cold, freezing rain or heavy snowfall, the extensive system of traffic, pavement and visibility sensors will be calibrated to detect the conditions and provide a recommended speed to operations staff. This information will be used to continuously update the speed shown on digital signs, to help drivers know a safe driving speed during adverse weather conditions.”
In the meantime, authorities are urging motorist to adjust their speed to the conditions.
“Speeding is the leading cause of fatal car crashes in B.C.,” said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Seven out of 10 speed-related crashes are related to driving too fast for the road conditions. Police across B.C. are urging drivers to be alert, slow down and adjust their driving for the conditions.”
New variable speed signs are also being installed on the Coquihalla and Sea-to-Sky highways.
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