By Jill Sperling

Variable speed signs activated on B.C. highways

Jun 2, 2016 | 4:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — They have been installed and tested, now variable speed signs are up and running in B.C. 

The signs went live this morning, June 2, with Transportation Minister Todd Stone demonstrating how those working in the regional traffic management centre will receive highway data and adjust the speed according to the type of weather that persists. 

The signs are strategically located along the Coquihalla, Trans Canada, and Sea to Sky Highways. 

Stone says B.C. is the first province in Canada to implement this new technology. 

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“This 12.5 million dollar investment in 47 signs, 104 km of highway that’s covered, are now in effect,” Stone said, “and we’re convinced based on the testing and the experience in other jurisdictions that this new innovative technology is going to actually save lives on our highways here in British Columbia.”

A rash of accidents on the Coquihalla Highway recently have served as a grim reminder of how quickly road conditions can change when extreme weather, such as hail, snow, or sleet, is present. 

RCMP Sgt. Mike Pears of Central Interior Traffic Services says these signs are meant to alert the public to the need to drive with extra caution. 

“What this hopefully will do for us on an enforcement side of things or collision investigation side of things is reduce the amount of collisions we see because people will slow down,” Pears said. 

“When you’ve got a flashing sign with the amber above it and then it’s a digital sign, it’s going to catch peoples’ attention.”