Dear Minister Nils Clarke,
I am writing to advocate/demonstrate the need for a new wider Takhini bridge (with separate bike lanes) on the North Klondike Highway versus widening the unsafe, too narrow, existing one; offer potential measures to improve the current bridge’s safety in the interim (especially given the increasing frequency/width of present traffic); and facilitate informed, related, decision-making going forward.
Poorly thought-out remedial efforts to date only continue to make unsafe conditions worse. Wide vehicles include school buses, double wide ATV/skidoo trailers, tourists in motor homes, other recreation vehicles, plus fuel/farm/mining/construction/road maintenance trucks to name a few.
Presently there is no signage indicating a bridge ahead on this section of the road when approaching from the most dangerous Hot Springs end. The bridge only becomes visible after rounding a blind curve, at the bottom of the winding downhill road, at a too-fast speed limit of 80 km/h, then proceeding through a very short, confusing, wider section, and connecting to the existing too narrow, two-lane bridge at an awkward, dangerous, misaligned angle. At the same time, drivers also need to contend with possible oncoming wide traffic crossing the bridge.
Years ago, following an accident, the approach to the bridge was widened on all four corners, with the intention of addressing the danger of a bridge too narrow to safely accommodate wider vehicular traffic needs. However, by incorrectly targeting the approach to the bridge versus the inadequate width of the structure (the actual cause of the problem), an already dangerous condition was only made worse. Restoring the widened sections on all four corners to their original state (including road curvature and connections to the bridge) could correct this problem.
It is important that signage be clear, relevant, adequate but not excessive, and appropriately placed/spaced. Approaching the bridge from the Couch Road/mailboxes end, one encounters a multitude of signs (some important, others irrelevant, misleading, and inaccurate). These are clustered too close to each other and to the bridge access, creating a dangerous distraction from the complex winding road, narrow bridge, and potentially wider than normal oncoming traffic simultaneously crossing the bridge - all demanding the driver’s undivided attention.
One sign, located at the first curve approaching the bridge from just after the Couch Road/mailboxes, mistakenly indicates the road curving to the left rather than the right. This sends vehicles across the lane of oncoming traffic, over a steep embankment, and potentially even into the river or the other side of the bridge. The correct corresponding fairly tight, uphill left-turning curve is actually situated just after the bridge on the Hot Springs end of that lane. Therefore, this left curve sign should be moved to this latter, more relevant location. Thank goodness drivers to date must have been watching the road versus the signs which would have led them into danger! In addition, the solar signs plus “narrow bridge”, “icy conditions”, “share the road”, lowered speed limits as suggested below, and “winding road” (replacing the multiple individual curves) should be placed well ahead of the bridge in both directions (starting around the Research Forest on the Hot Springs end) to allow for adequate preparation time and lessen distraction. As indicated, only relevant, necessary, suitably placed signs should be retained.
Just last fall, while approaching the bridge from the Hot Springs end and travelling at less than the posted speed limit, I met, on the bridge, a pilot truck followed by a semi hauling a double wide house trailer requiring almost the full width of the two-lane bridge (visible only at the last minute), plus another 6 or more vehicles behind - all bumper to bumper. Fortunately, everyone managed to stop in time (barely) to avert a disastrous, multi-vehicle collision on the bridge. Praying I wouldn’t be struck from behind, I was forced to back off the bridge into potential traffic coming downhill around the blind curve. I can’t imagine travelling this section in the dark, during rush hour with the very bright, blinding LED headlights of oncoming traffic, creating an even more dangerous situation. Clearly, a wider bridge is required to accommodate the increasingly wide vehicular traffic, ensuring the safety of all. However, while valid for the new bridge, I question the benefit of separate cantilevered bike lanes planned for the current one to improve safety for riders, but actually leaving bikers no less vulnerable to accident.
Reports of “near misses/close calls” can mean anything from passing a wider, oncoming vehicle on the bridge with a prayer to spare between you, to unexpectedly meeting one requiring a single lane crossing. With no related traffic control/management measures presently in place, sheer chance/luck dictates whether one can stop in time to prevent a collision on the bridge. To prevent such a dangerous meeting, perhaps the pilot vehicle, leading a very wide load requiring a single lane bridge crossing, could stop the approaching traffic at a safe point that would allow safe passage for all.
According to the YG engineering department, the current bridge, very near its end of life, would require additional supports buried into the river floor to accommodate the extra weight of a wider bridge – an extensive, costly, challenging endeavour. Building a new wider bridge, a 5-year process, is the only reasonable, responsible solution going forward. Therefore, present efforts/resources directed at widening the current bridge, should immediately be redirected towards replacement instead. In the meantime, well thought out mitigating measures, developed with the input of the public, would help to ensure the safe use of the present structure in the interim. Also, the present 80 km/h speed limit should be lowered to 50 (even 40, but max 60) from the Research Forest to Couch Road/mailboxes.
Finally, Mr. Clarke, it’s great that, as per the “comprehensive bridge inspection program,” you are monitoring the integrity of the existing bridge to ensure that it won’t crumble under the weight of traffic. However, only a wider bridge will solve the real ongoing safety issues. I strongly urge you to immediately start the process for constructing a new wider bridge to safely accommodate all present/anticipated traffic needs (including vehicular and bike), while also implementing appropriate measures to ensure everyone’s safety in the interim. By the way, I hear there were a number of accidents in the area over the Christmas holidays.
Many thanks for your immediate attention to this vital matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further clarification as necessary.
Respectfully,
Liz Reichenbach
Concerned Hidden Valley resident using the above bridge daily