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BC To Reduce Speed Limits On Sea-To-Sky Highway & Other Local Routes

Sea-To-Sky Highway

Photo: BC Government

Heads up drivers.

Effective immediately, BC announced on Tuesday that the government will be lowering speed limits on 15 sections of highway in the province to keep people safe and reduce the chance of speed-related collisions.

The changes will also affect stretches along the busy Sea-To-Sky Highway.

“We know people want to get where they’re going quickly. Our job is to help make sure they also get there safely,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“Since the former government raised speed limits in 2014, serious crashes have been on the rise. By rolling back speed limits slightly, our goal is to reduce accidents, keep roads open and protect the lives of British Columbians.”

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This decision comes after the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure had thoroughly reviewed three years’ worth of data on 33 segments and 1,300 kilometres of highway, where speed limits were increased as part of the 2014 Rural Safety and Speed Review.

As a result, 15 sections of highway, totalling 570 kilometres, will have speed limits rolled back by 10 km/h.

Along with the two corridors that were lowered in 2016, this represents 660 kilometres of B.C. highways where speed limits are being rolled back.

The remaining routes did not show higher accident rates and the speed limits will remain the same, including the Coquihalla where variable speed limits are in operation.

“Speeding has been one of the top three factors contributing to car crashes, especially in rural and remote areas of B.C.” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.

Affected Sea-To-Sky Highway Sections

  • Highway 99 – Squamish to Whistler (reduced from 100 km/h to 90 km/h).
  • Highway 99 – Horseshoe Bay to Squamish (reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h).
  • Highway 99 – Whistler to Pemberton (reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h).

Quick Facts

  • The top three contributing factors for segments with increased collisions are driver inattentiveness, road conditions and driving too fast for conditions.
  • On the Coquihalla, 46% of serious collisions were caused by driver inattentiveness and driving too fast for conditions.
  • On 14 of the 33 segments reviewed, the average operating speed either stayed the same or decreased after speed limits were increased, including the Coquihalla.

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