The Highway 1 bridge over the Vedder Canal is receiving immediate improvements in an effort to avoid more deadly accidents.

Provincial transportation and infrastructure minister Shirley Bond said that while a safety review deemed both the bridge and the highway safe, engineers hope several "safety enhancements" will reduce the number of fatal crashes.

"A number of proactive measures were identified to promote greater awareness as [drivers] approach these crossings, and provide additional protection in the event of a crash," Bond said in a press release.

Work on the improvements have already begun. The upgrades focus on improving drivers' awareness of the narrow shoulder on the bridge.

Earlier this month a Chilliwack truck driver died after his transport truck broke through a bridge barrier and plunged into the canal before. It was the third time in just four years that a truck had fallen into the canal. Two drivers died in the crashes.

Additional reflectors will be installed on the highway's concrete roadside barriers and the bridge's guardrails. A warning sign proclaiming "Shoulders Ending" will be added on each approach, along with a second row of rumble strips. White shoulder markings will also be added leading up to each approach, and the concrete barriers will be extended 150 metres. Finally, concrete barriers with reflectors will run the length of each bridge.

“While there was no evidence the bridge was a problem, I’m pleased to see that further precautions are being taken," said Chilliwack MLA John Les. "These upgrades will help keep drivers aware and attentive while approaching and crossing the bridge to help avoid future accidents.”

The project is expected to be completed this fall.

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com