The Highway 1 corridor in east Coquitlam has seen close to a 14% decrease in crashes in the last two years despite rampant construction related to the Port Mann/Highway 1 improvement project.
Near-weekly lane closures and re-routing has plagued the freeway since construction began, however ICBC statistics show an improvement in accident numbers for the area.
In 2009, 483 crashes occurred between the United Boulevard stretch of the freeway in Coquitlam and 152 Street in Surrey. In 2010 that number dropped to 439 and fell further to 417 in 2011.
"Crash numbers have actually declined the last two years," said Adam Grossman, a senior media relations advisor with ICBC. "We don't have any details on why that may be but we're obviously pleased to see the downward trend."
On Friday the PMH1 project office announced that access to Highway 1 eastbound from the Lougheed Highway via the Cape Horn Interchange will be closed between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. until further notice.
Those traveling from the Lougheed Highway to Highway 1 eastbound during those times should use the Brunette Avenue interchange approximately three kilometres to the west.
There will also be a temporary nighttime stoppages of Highway 1 westbound traffic near 176 Street on March 2 between midnight and 4 a.m. Delays will last up to 20 minutes as crews work to install a large overhead guide sign.
Electronic message boards will be placed on Highway 1 to alert motorists to the temporary changes and drivers are reminded to obey all construction signs and to watch for flag people.
Speeding fines are double in construction zones.
For more information about the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project go to www.pmh1project.com, email [email protected] or call 1-866-999-7641.
CORRIDOR CRASHES
Year Yearly Total
2007 473
2008 450
2009 483
2010 439
2011 417
