Why are construction speed limits still in effect on Hwy 1?
Posted February 28, 2014 7:20 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS1130) – There’s hardly a cone in sight, compared to what we’ve seen over the last few years, and there are now big wide stretches of shiny new pavement along Highway 1.
As people blast by you on the highway, have you wondered why there are still construction speed limits west of the Port Mann Bridge?
As much as you may be tempted to step on the gas to take advantage of the added lanes and improved interchanges, the maximum speed allowed is still only 80 km/h.
“We appreciate that people are taking advantage of the time savings on Highway 1, but it’s important to remember that some parts of the highway are still construction zones,” says Greg Johnson with TI Corp, the crown corporation in charge of the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project.
“Crews are still doing work on the bridge and all along the corridor. Safety is a key priority for the project and that is why speed limits have been reduced along the corridor,” he tells News1130.
It may not look like it during the morning and afternoon rush hours, but there is still a significant amount of finishing work being done.
“In a lot of places, it’s barrier, drainage and lane-marking work. The vast majority does take place overnight but crews are active along the corridor all day long as well.”
Once the construction speed limits are finally lifted, don’t expect to be allowed to zip along much faster.
“Speed limits are going to be between 80 and 100 km/h, depending on where you are on the corridor,” explains Johnson. “Everything east of the Port Mann Bridge will be 100 km/h and it will be 90 km/h through Coquitlam and Burnaby.”
West of the Grandview Highway, the speed limit will remain at 80 km/h. Construction is expected to wrap on the Port Mann/Highway 1 project by the end of the year.
