This project will create a safe crossing point of Highway 20 where the two portions of the Tsideldel reserve intersect with Highway 20 at location where a fatal incident occurred in 2019. The desired outcome is high-visibility signage that reduces person, animal, and motor vehicle incidents. At present, the project safety measure is still to be determined and planning process is dependent on the participation of stakeholders (including the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) coming together to meet, discuss, and scope out a low-cost and high-value solution.

The Tsideldel community lands are divided by Highway 20, which is the only access road through the Chilcotin corridor from Williams Lake to Bella Coola. In 2019 a young woman died in a car accident while crossing the highway, the other 4 young women in the car were also injured when they were T boned by a car travelling east on Highway 20. Mitigating these risks using a safe system approach will have human benefit for the Indigenous community of Tsideldel. Of note, acute care hospital services are 140 kms east of the community in Williams Lake BC; Ambulance services are located east of Tsideldel at Alexis Creek a 60 km drive away. The most recent accident of Highway 20 involved vulnerable drivers and was in part caused by poor visibility. Other motor vehicle accidents have occurred at this site and will be documented by ICBC and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The project scope includes risk mitigation for community members injury and death as they attempt to cross Highway 20. The desired outcome is high visibility signage reduces person, animal and motor vehicle incidents / accidents. High visibility solutions are available which can be planned and implemented in partnership with Tsideldel Leadership and community.

Photo source: Pixabay. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.