ICBC improves road safety in B.C. communities — August 19
Since 1989, ICBC has been partnering with municipalities and the provincial government to improve safety at high-crash locations in B.C. communities through its Road Improvement Program. With a budget of $8.6 million for 2008, ICBC expects to provide funding for 250 to 300 road improvement projects or studies across the province.
Road improvements are one of the most effective ways to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. By making intersections and other high-crash locations safer, ICBC is helping to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives.
Projects earmarked for road improvement investments are assessed to ensure they make B.C. roads safer for all drivers and translate into lower claims costs for ICBC and its customers. The most recent independent evaluation of ICBC-funded road improvements found a four-to-one return-on-investment over two years following a project's completion.
Completed road improvement projects for 2008:
Location: Delta
Project: Installation of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems at five intersections along Nordel Way: 84th Avenue, Brooke Road, 120 Street, 116 Avenue and Shepherd Way
ICBC contribution: $12,500
Location: Langley
Project: Improvements to sightline visibility at the intersection of 203rd Street and Industrial Avenue by relocating a retaining wall on the northwest corner. As part of the improvement, the City of Langley acquired property, moved the retaining wall and streetlighting cabinet away from the curb and also provided a sidewalk for pedestrians.
Partner: City of Langley
ICBC contribution: $25,000
Location: Mission
Project: Installation of a roadside barrier along Stave Lake Street (south of 11th Avenue)
Partner: District of Mission
ICBC contribution: $7,000
Location: North Vancouver
Project: Completion of second phase of the Cotton Road bike route. Two bike lanes were added along both sides of Cotton Road from Brooksbank Avenue to Mountain Highway. To improve intersection safety at Brooksbank and Cotton, the left turn lane was moved from westbound to southbound and the right turn channelization was moved from northbound to eastbound.
Partner: City of North Vancouver
ICBC contribution: $20,000
Location: Surrey
Project: Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of 72nd Avenue and 130th Street
Partner: City of Surrey
ICBC contribution: $75,000
Location: Surrey
Project: Corridor and intersection improvements along 148th Street. The 148th Street corridor was widened, the northbound left-turn lane at 24th Ave was re-aligned and a southbound left-turn lane was installed at 26th Avenue.
Partner: City of Surrey
ICBC contribution: $18,000
Location: Vancouver
Project: Installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Marine Drive and Yukon Street.
Partner: City of Vancouver
ICBC contribution: $35,000
Location: Vancouver Island
Project: Installation of a traffic signal and improvements to signage and road markings at the intersection of Highway 19A at Lee Road between Parksville and Qualicum Beach
Partner: Ministry of Transportation
ICBC contribution: $24,700
For more information on these road improvement projects or to request photos, contact:
Kim Thé
604-296-1539
