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Ladysmith, BC — Safety improvements are coming to a major intersection in Ladysmith.
Starting Wednesday, December 11, 2024, workers with the Ministry of Transportation (MOTI) will be installing protected left turn signals at the Trans-Canada Highway (Esplanade Avenue)/Roberts Street/Transfer Beach Boulevard intersection.
Installation will take place from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on December 11 and 12. During this time, the passing lanes and left-turn lanes at the intersection will be closed.
Northbound Trans-Canada Highway traffic will need to use Buller Street or 1st Avenue to access downtown or Roberts Street. Southbound Trans-Canada Highway traffic will be required to use Ludlow Road to access Transfer Beach Boulevard and Transfer Beach Park during the closure period.
Once completed, left turns from the Trans-Canada Highway to Roberts Street and Transfer Beach Boulevard will be controlled by signal lights. Motorists will only be permitted to turn left when a green arrow indicates it is allowed, providing a protected period for left-turning vehicles. This is the same way left turns are managed at the North Davis Road and Chemainus Road intersection.
"This intersection has been the site of several serious accidents in recent years. The installation of a protected left-turn signal will significantly enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and all other road users," says Ladysmith Fire Rescue Chief, Chris Geiger.
The Trans-Canada Highway (Esplanade Avenue)/Roberts Street/Transfer Beach Boulevard intersection is one of the most accident-prone intersections in the Town in recent years. Since 2019, there have been 50 crashes at this intersection, 30 of which have resulted in injuries or fatalities, according to ICBC data.
In 2022, the Town expressed concerns about the intersection's safety to the Ministry of Transportation. After a brief investigation, the Ministry determined the need for protected left turn signals and began engineering and design work. As the Trans-Canada Highway is a provincial highway, the Ministry is covering the cost of the upgrades.
"The Town of Ladysmith is grateful to the Ministry of Transportation for installing protected left turn signals at the Roberts Street/Transfer Beach Boulevard intersection. This prudent safety measure will benefit everyone who uses the intersection, which serves as a vital link between our charming heritage downtown and the rest of the province," says Nicholas Pescod, the Town's Communications & Engagement Specialist.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606