
The province is hoping new high-friction surfaces in place in 14 locations across the Lower Mainland and on southern Vancouver Island will help cut down on collisions.
The Ministry of Transportation says the application toughens the road surface to reduce skidding and helps drivers come to a complete stop more quickly and safely.
The locations are all places where a high number of collisions take place.
There are four spots on southern Vancouver Island where the treatment was applied are all on the Pat Bay Highway including:
* Highway 17 – Cloverdale Avenue intersection (southbound) in Saanich
* Highway 17 – Elk Lake Drive intersection (northbound/southbound) in Saanich
* Highway 17 – Sayward Road intersection (northbound) in Saanich
* Highway 17 – Mt. Newton Cross Road intersection (northbound/southbound) in Saanich
Work on the $3.9 million project, a partnership between the ministry and ICBC, began last year but completion was delayed by unfavourable weather.
The specialized treatment is meant to improve friction for more than seven years.
The locations will be monitored to see how effective it is and whether it should be used elsewhere.