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Variable speed signs coming to BC

December 2nd, 2015  |  Auto

British Columbia is widely considered a beautiful province. However, it’s location near the Pacific Ocean sometimes mean fast weather changes – and quickly deteriorating driving conditions. As a result of these concerns, and in an effort to boost safety along some of the popular highways in BC, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is planning to install variable speed signs.

Electronic speed signs for poor driving conditions

Some of the biggest problem areas are sections of the Sea to Sky Highway, the Coquihalla, and the Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia. It’s not uncommon for rain to turn to snow quickly, or for freezing rain to ice these highways, making them treacherous.

As a way to warn drivers of what’s coming, and get them to slow down and drive carefully, the government is installing signs that can be changed. These signs are electronic, and can warn drivers of adverse conditions ahead, as well as provide a lower speed limit. The Ministry hopes that this will reduce the number of car accidents during bad weather.

A total of 47 electronic speed signs will be installed between the three highways. The systems include visibility sensors, as well as pavement sensors that automatically detect weather conditions and are programmed to provide warnings based on the results. They will be tested for between two and three months before going live, however. Officials want to make sure that the system works as it should to prevent further problems. These signs are expected to go live sometime early in 2016.

Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock