B.C.-wide travel warning issued ahead of long weekend

Traffic is about to get heavily backed up on all major roads across the province as the long weekend approaches, but it comes with a warning from the provincial government.

Typically, over the August long weekend, ICBC says there are more than 1,000 crashes just in the Lower Mainland, leaving hundreds of people injured.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says every major road is going to be jam-packed, from Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley, all over Vancouver Island, the Sea to Sky, and anywhere between Kamloops and Alberta.

“People travelling B.C.’s most popular routes should expect heavy traffic and congestion during peak travel times and should plan for extra travel time, or travel at off-peak hours when possible,” the ministry said in a statement.

The province adds highways may also be closed at a moment’s notice due to the ongoing wildfire situation. As of Thursday, there were more than 340 wildfires burning province-wide.

You can expect border crossings to be busy and the same goes for BC Ferries terminals, where it’s best to have a reservation.

Drivers will also see more police around as they crack down on impaired drivers, including distracted driving.

BC Highway Patrol Corp. Melissa Jongema is echoing the province, saying the roadways are expected to be very busy.

“I anticipate it taking maybe even up to double when you’re looking at even a short drive. So, if you’re trying to get to Kelowna, anticipate it taking a couple of hours longer, and build in your stops ahead of time and your rest breaks,” she told 1130 NewsRadio.

Jongema says the province’s highways are going to be “packed to capacity, north to south,” and adds there’s “no such thing as the middle of nowhere.”

“People are going to be coming in the oncoming lane, so expect there to be traffic,” she said. “Keep yourself safe by waiting for those passing lanes.”

“Driving in a condition that’s not optimal, it could end in a fatality,” Jongema warned.

“That’s why we’re trying to spread that message to get some sleep and avoid driving while fatigued so that we can all get to where we’re going, safe.”

The ministry is urging drivers to take extra precautions around motorcyclists, who are the more vulnerable road users. The government is also encouraging people to be extra vigilant around big trucks.

“Large trucks need extra room to stop and turn and have many blind spots. Give trucks lots of space and don’t take away their turning or braking room. When passing a truck, ensure you can see both its headlights in your rearview mirror before merging back.”

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–With files from Cole Schisler