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Concerns Alex Fraser Bridge speed limit ignored

The province will be reminding drivers that the Alex Fraser Bridge has a new speed limit. Part of the Alex Fraser Bridge Improvement Project, the speed limit this summer went down from 90 km/h to 70 km/h.
alex faser bridge
Delta councillor Lois Jackson had also raised concerns few appear willing to drive the posted 70 km/h limit on the Alex Fraser Bridge.

The province will be reminding drivers that the Alex Fraser Bridge has a new speed limit.

Part of the Alex Fraser Bridge Improvement Project, the speed limit this summer went down from 90 km/h to 70 km/h.

However, many have been commenting on social media since then how drivers are constantly ignoring the new limit, driving as fast as ever.

Asked if measures would be implemented to enforce the limit, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena issued a statement to the Delta Optimist, noting, “Local police enforce posted speed limits. As well, the ministry released traffic advisories and an information bulletin when the change went into effect in July in order to raise awareness.” 

She also noted, “The ministry will be releasing materials over social media and on the project website to help raise awareness of the new transferable barrier system before counter flow goes into operation later this year.”

 

alex fraser bridge chat

 

One letter writer to council who also raised concern about speeding drivers said there appears to be no monitoring or enforcement plan for the bridge.

A Delta staff response noted, “Concerns regarding new speed limits are best addressed to the Ministry of Transportation and the RCMP Deas Island Traffic Services.”

Asked during a council meeting council how the speed limit is being enforced, engineering director Steven Lan pointed out it’s a provincial bridge, thus it’s under the jurisdiction of the RCMP. However, Delta police will respond to incidents if in the vicinity.

He also noted that once the major reconfiguration project is completed, including the narrowing of lanes and a new traffic zipper, it can then be determined how the new speed limit is working.

The improvement project includes a seventh lane to the bridge and a new counter flow moveable barrier system to improve capacity and help reduce traffic congestion during peak periods.

The bridge project’s total budget is just over $70 million with the federal government contributing nearly $34 million and the B.C. government contributing just over $36 million.