Most Sunshine Coast residents have seen the intersection improvements and traffic signal installed on Highway 101 near Roberts Creek. These are among the two road improvement projects ICBC invested in Powell River and Roberts Creek in 2010 to help make roads safer for everyone.
ICBC launched the road improvement program in 1989 and since then, has invested approximately $100 million in projects across B.C. In 2010, ICBC invested approximately $9 million in 280 projects throughout B.C.
The project in Roberts Creek consisted on intersection improvements and a traffic signal installation. ICBC contributed $32,100 to the project, which was done in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
"Road safety is a priority and the ICBC road improvement program brings together numerous stakeholders to help make our communities safer," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a news release. "Working together we can identify and implement changes that will reduce crashes and save lives."
A 2009 independent evaluation concluded that for every dollar invested, ICBC and customers see a return five to 12 times the investment. That is, for every dollar invested, ICBC and customers save $5.60 over two years and $12.80 over five years in reduced crash costs. All proposed road improvement projects are assessed on their ability to make roads safer.
"Road improvements deliver real value to our customers, and everyone on our roads, from drivers to pedestrians," added ICBC's John Pump, manager of the road improvement program. "Safer roads lead to fewer crashes and help prevent injuries and death, which also translates into lower claims costs and helps keep rates stable for our customers."
During the last 21 years, ICBC's road improvement program has evolved significantly -community investments and successful partnerships have led to award winning projects and the contributions have helped advance the knowledge of the road safety engineering industry in B.C. and across Canada.
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