Parks Canada is concerned that summer drivers travelling between Tofino and Ucluelet and exploring the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are speeding too quickly through the construction zones scattered throughout the Pacific Rim Highway.
In an advisory released last week, the Park Reserve stated that work on its $51 million, 25 kilometre, multi-use-path is ongoing and motorists must slow down as they navigate through construction zones.
READ MORE: Cost of trail through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve up to $51 million
“To ensure the safety of both motorists and construction crews, Parks Canada implemented the reduced speed zone this week as a reminder to all motorists to slow down and adhere to the reduced speed limit of 50 km/h when travelling through active construction zones in the Long Beach area of the National Park Reserve,” the advisory reads.
“Motorists must adhere to posted speed limits on all public roadways. This includes adhering to reduced speeds posted specifically for a construction zone no matter what the regular speed limit is in that area.”
READ MORE: Speeding drivers prompt Park Reserve to upgrade crosswalk between Tofino and Ucluelet
The advisory states that crews are working seven days a week and drivers are “likely to encounter multiple construction zones.”
“Although the pathway route is largely away from the road, construction equipment may be on the move, workers may be nearby even if motorists can’t see them, or trucks and other vehicles could move without warning into a motorist’s path,” the advisory warns.
“With increased activity in the area, there is an increased likelihood of hazards for both motorists and construction crews.”
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
READ MORE: Construction continues on Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s $51M trail
READ MORE: Tofino awards $2.4M contract to connect path to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
READ MORE: Billboard erected between Tofino and Ucluelet shows wolf chewing on plastic bottle