A protected turning lane at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3A near Kaleden has been approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI).

This long-awaited safety improvement is scheduled to be completed as early as this summer. Ongoing traffic concerns of members have prompted BCTA to raise the issue of traffic management of this intersection with MoTI. In addition to increased patrols and monitoring, truck turning signage was put in place in response. However, with heavier-than-usual traffic as a result of the Highway 5 closure due to flood damage, the sharp incline in incidents have shown that more needed to be done to improve the safety for all road users.

Although further upgrades to this junction are needed as part of the long-term solution to accommodate the growing traffic volume in the area, the protected turning lane is a welcomed addition. BCTA looks forward to continuing to work with MoTI on future options to improve the safety of this corridor.