FAQs
Speed limits are set at 50 km/hr off the highway (current scenario). Total travel time = 8 mins, 20 seconds.
Speed limits are set at 40 km/hr off the highway. Requires an additional 1 minute, 17 seconds to reach destination compared to 50 km/hr scenario a.
Speed limits are set at 30 km/hr off the highway. Requires an additional 3 minutes, 26 seconds to reach destination compared to 50 km/hr scenario a.
I’ve already provided input on the District’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Is this the same thing?
No, this is a separate initiative that considers road safety, whereas the Transportation Master Plan process is focussed on transportation needs and improving access to different transportation choices.
When the TMP is complete the District will have an updated list of recommended transportation infrastructure improvements and a plan to complete these capital projects. While improving road safety is certainly a focus of the TMP, implementing speed reduction and building a traffic calming policy can be done separately. Click here learn more about the Transportation Master Plan.
Could the District improve safety by building better sidewalks and protected bike lanes rather than consider reducing speed limits?
Building sidewalks and protected bike lanes is part of the District’s plan to increase safety for people walking and cycling. The priorities for these facilities are identified in the District’s Active Transportation Plan (2016) however projects that require new storm drain, curb/gutter, sidewalks and/or protected bike lanes are very expensive to install. In some cases, lower cost “quick build” options may be available, but even these can cost upwards of $100K per project. Speed limit reductions could help to improve safety at a low cost to taxpayers while the District continues to gradually expand the network of sidewalks and protected bike lanes.
I am concerned about speeds and/or other road safety concerns at a specific location. How do I ensure this is known?
We encourage you to use the mapping tool as provided above. Please indicate if this is a safety concern for you as someone walking, cycling, or driving. Keep in mind that a traffic calming policy is also being developed and may help address your concerns. All input is valuable and appreciated.
How much might speed limit changes affect my commuting time in Squamish?
If changes to speed limits in Squamish were to occur, they would not affect the highway. An example of a commute from Garibaldi Highlands to Downtown is about 8 km, 3.7 km of which are on the highway. The remaining 4.3 km could be affected by speed limit changes. The scenarios below provide simplified examples to compare travel times. They assume highway travel at 70 km/hr, no stops at traffic lights, do not include any school zones or other existing slower speed zones, and that everyone is driving exactly at the speed limit.
Note: The actual travel time for this route in existing conditions varies between 12 and 16 minutes.