What have we got going on in transportation news for you this week? How about bus stops, cycling lanes and cycling fences, centreline rumble strips, enhanced delineation, completed paving on the Patullo Bridge, new contracts awarded and resurfacing underway. Throw in some numbers from BC Ferries and transit service updates and you have yourself all the elements of a good read, if you ask us. So, grab your coffee and settle in .
Cycling for Highway 4
Port Alberni roads are getting a safety boost for cyclists and motorists alike this summer. The shoulders of Port Alberni Highway/Redford Street will be widened to add cycling lanes making it safer for cyclists and pedestrians and improve access through the city’s core. On Highway 4, in the Kennedy Lake area west of Port Alberni, cycle fencing will be installed on the top of the newly restored retaining walls. What is cyclist fencing exactly? This higher fencing offers additional protection for cyclists in an area with steep roadside drop-offs and is scheduled to be complete by the end of October.
As if cyclist fencing wasn’t enough, centreline rumble strips will also be added to Highway 4 between Qualicum and Port Alberni to reduce vehicle centreline crossovers by the end of August. Motorists on Highway 4 will also love the new enhanced delineation, helping them to see the road better during adverse weather conditions.
“Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows, under my umbrella.” (firm apologies to The Hollies)
Translink informed us that bus bays will be re-assigned at certain exchanges this fall. UBC routes, Bridgeport and New Westminster locations will be affected. Some of these changes are in response to feedback from customers and local communities. To get the full picture, get on board with Translink online.
Pattullo Paving Complete
Translink also thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding while the Pattullo Bridge was closed last weekend. The closure enabled crews to quickly resurface the southeast portion of the deck which was becoming a concern. The closure also allowed for spot inspections of the concrete bridge deck and the completion of necessary short-term repairs.
BCTransit announced service upgrades and changes this week, too. Vernon Regional will see some user friendly route changes, Victoria will have more targeted service hours in September, the Sunshine Coast, Kamloops and Kelowna will see expanded transit service in the fall.
BCFerries Releases Results
British Columbia Ferry Corporation released the results of its first quarter of 2012. As of April 1, 2012, BC Ferries began reporting its financial position and results of operations in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). They are one of the largest ferry operators in the world with 20.2 million passengers and 7.8 million vehicles during the fiscal year which ended March 31, 2012.
Contracts Announced and Awarded
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has called for tenders for the construction of a 3.8 kilometre passing lane on Highway 27 south of Fort St. James. The new passing lane will improve increase safety and mobility by providing motorists an opportunity to pass slower vehicles, such as the industrial traffic from logging and mining activities in the area. We also awarded a contract for resurfacing work along Highway 16, in the Nechako Lakes region.
You Can See Clearly Now the Dust is Gone
Resurfacing work has started on Altona Road in Altona. Altona is a growing community in the Peace region, and Altona Road is an important rural connector. This project will be completed by mid-September. The travelling public will benefit from a safer, hard surfaced road with a major reduction of dust and mud for the community of Altona.
Well, that should have taken you to the bottom of your cup of coffee. Thanks for sharing it with us and if you liked learning about transportation news in BC, check back next week for more, or look for our Travel Tuesday Paper.li and bring yourself up to speed then. Either way, have a great weekend and travel safely.
