ICBC says it’s investing in Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley roads

Photos: ICBC

NEW pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, countdown timers and upgrading a four-way stop to reduce injuries – these are just some of the recent projects made possible by ICBC’s ongoing investment in the safety of Greater Vancouver roads.

In Burnaby, you’ll notice a new pathway for pedestrians and cyclists on Dover Street from Royal Oak to Nelson Street. The multi-use pathway helps drivers see these vulnerable road users more clearly at crossings and separates cyclists from traffic. New turn lanes were added for drivers turning left at the Nelson Street intersection to reduce crashes with other vehicles, and pedestrians and cyclists at the crosswalk.

Since 1992, ICBC has invested over $48 million in 1,400 projects and studies in Greater Vancouver. In 2016 alone, ICBC invested $1.97 million in 81 projects in the region.

New cyclist and multi-use pathways, countdown timers, corner bulges on curbs to slow traffic, and crosswalks and upgrades to existing ones including pedestrian-activated flashing lights – these are just some of the 16 projects completed in Greater Vancouver in 2016 to help improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

After a joint safety review with the City of Port Coquitlam and City of Coquitlam, Westwood Street from Kitchener to Lincoln Avenue was widened to four lanes with new clearly marked and signed separate lanes for each movement (right turns, through and left turns) which has helped reduce vehicle weaving, side swiping and improved traffic flow.

Crashes and severe injuries were a concern at the intersection of North Fraser Way and Byrne Road in Burnaby. To address this, the intersection was upgraded from a four-way stop to full signalization.

 

IN the Fraser Valley, new infrared video cameras to detect traffic congestion, safer school zones and two roundabouts are just some of the recent projects made possible by ICBC’s ongoing investment in the safety of roads.

Infrared video cameras were recently installed on Highway 1 in Rosedale (between Chilliwack and Hope) to reduce crashes. The cameras monitor traffic and when congestion is detected, a sign warns approaching drivers who may not be expecting the need to slow down.

Since 1992, ICBC has invested more than $45 million in 1,670 projects and studies in the Fraser Valley. In 2016 alone, ICBC invested $2.58 million in 189 projects in the region.

Along Prest Road off Highway 1 in Chilliwack, you’ll notice two new roundabouts with dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. ICBC engineers conducted an independent audit of the corridor to determine how to reduce crashes most effectively for all road users. Roundabouts increase traffic flow by allowing drivers to continue, when safe, through the roundabout to make their turn rather than stopping and waiting. ICBC’s invested in 76 roundabouts in B.C. over the last 20 years.

School zones in the Fraser Valley are now safer for children with ICBC’s investment in over 50 projects in 2016 alone to slow traffic and improve safety for children. This includes new and upgraded crosswalks including flashing lights that are activated by pedestrians, adding corner bulges to curbs to slow traffic, improving visibility for drivers by adding reflective strips on school zone signs and marking special pedestrian zones, and adding countdown timers for children crossing the street along with new signals at intersections.