New safety measures, including a reduced speed limit, will be implemented on the rural stretch of Ladner Trunk Road.
Delta council has approved recommendations put forward by the engineering department, which include reducing the speed limit to 70 km/h from 80 km/h.
In response to a request by Delta police, staff reviewed the posted speed limit along Ladner Trunk Road (Highway 10) between 72nd Street and Highway 91.
A report to council notes the review evaluated factors such as roadway geometry, lane widths, roadside hazards, pedestrian and cyclist exposure, as well as frequency of intersections.
“A speed limit reduction to 60 km/h was also considered, but the Transportation Association of Canada does not recommend using a posted speed that is inconsistent with drivers' perceptions and then rely on enforcement efforts to reduce operating speeds. Posted speed limits that are significantly different than prevailing speeds contribute to speed differential and a higher risk of collisions,” the report explains.
Other roadway improvements include raised paint markings and reflectors to improve visibility, reflective delineators alongside ditches and improved street lighting.
There’s also going to be an emergency pull-out at 104th Street for police enforcement and four new speed radar signs.
The new speed limit will be implemented in 2020 along with the safety improvements between 96th Street and Highway 91. Safety improvements west of 96th Street will be completed in 2021.
The city conducted the safety review after a number of accidents, including several fatalities, along the corridor in the past few years.
