Shuswap roads are being made safer for active transportation through the annual BC Vision Zero Grant Program.
This marks the fourth year of the funding program, a joint initiative between the province and regional health authorities, and Interior Health (IH) received a record 17 grants that include projects in Sicamous, Salmon Arm and Chase.
“This year, funded projects included new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, infrastructure upgrades such as intersection narrowing and speed bumps to reduce vehicle speed, and construction of new multi-use paths for active road users,” IH Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion lead Shianne Bains said in a media release.
“These projects are not only making our roads safer, but also strengthening our partnerships with communities. When we invest in safer ways for people to move, we’re investing in health and reduced injuries and deaths on our roads.”
Sicamous will receive $13,250 to address speeding in problem areas, including Old Town Road, frontage roads and Solsqua Road by the dog park where an animal was recently hit and killed. Statistics to advocate for increased RCMP patrols will be collected through portable digital signs in those areas, which vary in concern based on the time of year.
The Salmon Arm project, which will receive $17,500, will improve the Turner Creek 21 St. NE mid-block crossing. That includes extending the curb line and boulevard out to reduce the travel distance for users, and adding thermoplastic crosswalk markings to improve their visibility.
Chase will receive $13,250 to purchase and install up to five speed reader boards in the village. Areas of concern include off-ramps from Highway 1, and long straight stretches of road, particularly Pine Street and 2nd Avenue.
This year’s Vision Zero program has a total of $794,991 being distributed to 50 communities throughout the province, including 15 First Nations projects. Funding is provided through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transportation and Transit, with the program coordinated by the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit.
