Editor:
During 2021, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure paved many sections of shoulder on Highway 101. Despite this work being completed several months ago, the fog lines delineating the edge of the driving lane have not been replaced, leaving dark asphalt edges. In two SCRD Transportation committee meetings, the last being Oct. 21, it was asked when those fog lines will be repainted. The response from Michael Braun, MOTI, is that the paint comes from the U.S. and it has not been available. There was no indication from Mr. Braun that other options were being considered to remedy the lack of painted lines on this very busy and only roadway connecting all the communities on the Coast.
We are now in the dreariest months of the year. It is dark by 5 p.m. and heavy rains are a regular occurrence. There are few streetlights on Highway 101, especially at the many curves – it is a pitch-black driving experience, only illuminated by vehicle headlights. Many vehicles now have the high intensity, bright white LED headlights and those coming at you not only negate your ability to see the centre line but are blinding to drivers. If a driver hopes to remain centred on the driving area, the second option has always been the fog lines but those are gone. This frightening driving experience is most challenging on the many curves on this highway and is an accident with serious injury or death waiting to happen.
The current conditions on Highway 101 without well marked driving areas is a significant risk to public safety. Surely, somewhere in B.C., MoTI has paint that can be used to remedy this issue. If not, then other means of road delineation need to be installed immediately, such as reflective posts or tags.
Diana Mumford
