The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced on Nov. 21 that the new passing lanes constructed to improve road safety near Darfield are now complete
With the completion of the new passing lanes, it is now easier to safely pass slower-moving traffic on Highway 5 between Barriere and Little Fort.
This project on the Yellowhead Highway included the construction of a new three-kilometre southbound passing lane, and the 2.7-kilometre extension of the northbound passing lane.
The Ministry advises these improvements will provide drivers with additional safe passing opportunities and also improve traffic flow and capacity through the area near Darfield.
Other safety improvements during the project included realigning Boulder Mountain Road and MacColl Road so they both now access Highway 5 at one intersection. The intersection features new left-turn bays on Highway 5 and lighting for additional safety.
The Ministry also reminds people of the ‘keep right except to pass’ law in the Motor Vehicle Act, which prohibits drivers from using the left lane unless they are:
* Overtaking and passing another vehicle;
* Moving left to allow traffic to merge;
* Preparing for a left-hand turn; or
* Passing stopped emergency vehicles, such as police cars or ambulances.
To learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online: http://www.tranbc.ca