The Village of Pouce Coupe will see new pedestrian safety measures installed along Highway 2, after receiving confirmation from the Province of B.C. that two priority projects are moving forward.
According to the Village, pedestrian-activated push-button lights with flashing beacons will be installed at two key crossings.
The first is Highway 2 at 52 Avenue and the second crossing will be located at Highway 2 at 51 Street.
The improvements are aimed at making crossings more visible and accessible, particularly for students and residents moving through the community.
Officials say the upgrades are part of a broader effort outlined in council’s strategic plan to improve safety near schools and along busy transportation corridors.
As pavement markings fade over time, the addition of flashing beacons is expected to give drivers a clearer signal when pedestrians are crossing.
With Highway 2 running through the village, Pouce Coupe sees a steady flow of through-traffic, including commuters and regional travelers. That’s something community leaders say has made improved crossings a long-standing priority.
Mayor Danielle Veach says the work will help protect some of the community’s most vulnerable road users.
“Safety for the students of our community is so important to keeping Pouce Coupe a beautiful place to live,” Veach said. “I’d like to thank the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for making these improvements happen, and to thank present and past councils who have advocated for these much-needed improvements.”
Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth says the upgrades are expected to make a noticeable difference for both drivers and pedestrians.
“These new, pedestrian-activated beacons will make a real difference for the community by improving visibility and giving drivers a clear signal to slow down and watch for people crossing,” Farnworth said.
George Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Climate Solutions, called the announcement an important step forward for the community.
“These beacons will help improve safety along Highway 2 for both pedestrians and motorists,” Anderson said. “It’s great to see this long-standing community priority moving forward.”
Construction on both crossings is expected to begin in the coming months.