Video Trans-Canada west of Revelstoke to get 20 variable speed signs this fall

Update: We added the above video of the announcement on the evening on June 15.

B.C. transportation minister Todd Stone was in Revelstoke June 15 to unveil three transportation initiatives focused on keeping traffic moving on the Trans-Canada Highway during adverse weather and traffic coditions.

At a ceremony at Woodenhead Park — Revelstoke’s longstanding reminder to passing motorists not to drive like a blockhead — Todd Stone announced three initiatives that had been foreshadowed in the provincial transportation plan this spring.

For the announcement, he was joined by Mayor Mark McKee, Golden Mayor Ron Oszust, MLA Greg Kyllo, and numerous transportation-related staff.

1. New variable speed limit signs

New details emerged about this program. 20 electronic LED signs will be placed on the Trans-Canada Highway between the Perry River Bridge near Malakwa and Revelstoke. A series of electronic systems alert traffic managers about adverse road conditions like snow and ice. They can then reduce the speed limit on the highway according to conditions.

Each sign is controlled individually, so the adjusted limit can vary over the stretch of roadway. An engineer explained the signs can vary the speed limit by 10-kilometre increments, between 70 to 100 kilometres per hour. They’ll be hanged from new overhead posts to separate them from the regular painted speed limit signs.

Stone said the $12.5 million pilot project will be installed in the fall and then tested for usei.

The signs will be used during adverse weather conditions, during high traffic congestion and during incident response.

2. Remote control avalanche triggering system

A new remote control avalanche triggering system will be installed at Three Valley Gap in 2016 to help trigger avalanches. Currently, the system relies in part on helicopters, which can’t operate in darkness or during adverse weather conditions. Stone said the new system will improve avalanche control.

“The new system will significantly reduce the duration of highway closures for avalanche control,” a ministry statement said.

3. A new ‘Automax’ traffic light controllers

A new automatic detection system using sensors embedded in the pavement at Revelstoke highway intersections is designed to relieve congestion during high traffic volume times.

If a line-up develops at the three signal-controlled intersections on the Trans-Canada in Revelstoke, the system detects it and allows traffic to flow through.

“Traffic signal timing will be adjusted automatically to relieve intersection congestion,” a ministry statement read.

“Improving highway reliability and mobility is a major component of our 10-year transportation plan, B.C. on the Move.” Stone said in a statement. “In addition to continued four-laning of the Trans-Canada, we also want to shorten the time that people are stuck in their vehicles during a road closure and open up the Trans-Canada as quickly as possible, to get people and good moving again.”