The Squamish weather forecast from Environment Canada shows today will be cloudy, with a 30% chance of showers early this morning.
We will see a mix of sun and cloud near noon.
The weather often changes along the Sea to Sky Highway; drivers are warned it is a mountain pass, after all.
ICBC offers the following advice for drivers:
Maintain a safe following distance. In good weather, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you or three seconds on a highway. In bad weather [like rain], increase your following distance to four seconds.
The Squamish Chief sat down with a BC Highway Patrol officer, who gave insights on the dangerous driving habits she encounters.
And May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.
Here are some ICBC tips for drivers who are sure to encounter multiple motorcycles on the Sea to Sky:
Scan intersections carefully and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when you're turning left.
Stay alert and avoid distractions that take your mind off driving or your eyes off the road.
Allow at least three seconds of following distance when behind a motorcycle.
Give as much space as possible when passing a motorcycle. Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre in areas with a maximum speed limit of 50 km and at least 1.5 metres in areas with speed limits above 50 km.
Be ready to yield as a motorcycle is often closer than it seems. Remember it can be hard to tell how fast they're travelling.
Duffey news
If you drive The Duffey (Duffey Lake Road—Highway 99 to non-locals), you have likely wondered if the dang road is set to be repaved anytime soon.
Well, we have the answer.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit tells The Squamish Chief that there are plans to complete 15 km of hard surfacing on Highway 99 between Cayoosh Bridge and Boulder Creek Bridges, 10 to 25 km west of Lillooet.
This work will occur this year at a time yet to be determined.
So, that is something!
Now onto other things to know if you are driving in the Sea to Sky today.
Watch for wildlife
Watch for wildlife as deer, coyotes and bears have recently been seen along the highway in our region.
Report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service Hotline at 1.877.952.7277.
Forest service roads
FortisBC pipeline work
For approximately two days, beginning on May 5, crews will be applying a layer of dust suppressant to the Mamquam FSR, Stawamus Indian FSR and a small portion of Powerhouse Springs Road. During this work, traffic control will be in place to direct single lane alternating traffic as the product dries following application.
"We appreciate the community’s patience as we safely work to complete these activities," reads a post from FortisBC.
This is work for the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project.
For more information, click here.
For full forest service road access reports, go to this provincial government site.
If you are new to driving FSRs, check out this handy guide.
Squamish and south of us
•Happening now: On Highway 99, northbound, construction work is underway between Scott Cres and Cleveland Ave (Squamish), lasting until May 16 at 5:30 p.m. The work will last from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. The right turn lane will be closed. The shoulder will be closed. Work to end by 12 p.m. on Fridays.
A pedestrian detour will be available.
•Happening now: On Highway 99, road sweeping should be expected between Clarke Dr and Daisy Lake Rd for 15.9 km (Squamish), until Fri day, May 9. 24/7. Watch for slow moving vehicle.
•On Sunday, May 4: On Highway 99. the BMO Half Marathon is on between Thurlow St and Stanley Park Dr for 3.7 km (Vancouver), starting at 6:30 a.m. until at 2:15 p.m. There's a lane closure. Expect delays. See bmovanmarathon.Ca/detours for additional info.
•Starting Tuesday: On Highway 99, in both directions. Bridge maintenance planned between Darrell Bay Rd and Stawamus Chief Provincial Pk (Squamish). The work will last from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North of Squamish
• Happening now: On Highway 99, in both directions, construction work is scheduled between Park St and Portage Rd for 0.5 km (Pemberton), until Saturday, Aug 30. Work will be underway from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The right turn lane off Hwy 99 and the left turn lane onto Hwy 99 from existing access road are affected. There's construction access and heavy truck access.
• Happening now: On Highway 99, in both directions, there is rock slope stabilization work underway between Lil'wat Pl and Seton Lake Rd for 0.6 km (15 km south of Lillooet). The work begins at 7 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. The last day will be Saturday, June 21. Single lane alternating traffic will be in effect. The work is 1 KM north of the Cottonwood Rec Site. The work involves rock scaling and slope mesh installation.
• Happening now: On Highway 99, in both directions, there's road sweeping between Texas Creek Rd and Jackson Rd for 75.3 km (Lillooet), until Friday, May 9 at 3 p.m., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Watch for slow moving vehicle.
Stay safe out there.
See more at DriveBC.
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm will be temporarily closed now until May 31, the Squamish River Watershed Society says.
"The Central Estuary Restoration Project continues as we install a fourth large fish-friendly box culvert," a social media post from the society notes.
"This feature will replace the current undersized culvert, which will improve fish access and allow freshwater to transfer into the central estuary channel from the Squamish River."
According to a District post, access is closed to car traffic at the Fisherman's entrance—yellow gate—with bike and pedestrian access to remain open.
Gas prices
The removal of the carbon tax has had an impact on local gas prices.
In Squamish today, regular gas in town is going for 152.9 cents per litre at most area stations.
Before the carbon tax was removed, gas in town was at about 178.9/L.
(The B.C. government cancelled the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective Tuesday, April 1.)
In Whistler, regular gas is on offer for 152.9/L, at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemby, petrol is on offer for 152.9/L, at most area stations.
Some of the cheapest gas in B.C. can be found in Kimberley today, at 129.9/L, at the Centex located at 521 Wallinger Ave., according to www.gasbuddy.com.
