Left turn signals being installed on Highway 97 near McDonald’s in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Highway 97 intersection that residents have been concerned about for years is getting left turn signals.

B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) confirmed that left turn signals are being installed at the 108th Street and 109th Street intersection on Highway 97 near McDonald’s.

According to the MOTI, the recommendation for new signals was included in a review by the ministry while working closely with the City of Fort St. John.

Next year, MOTI will reportedly address other recommendations, such as improved pavement markings.

According to crash data from ICBC, between 2017 and 2021, 62 crashes occurred at that intersection, with 22 of them resulting in injury or fatality.

MOTI installed a camera at the intersection in the spring to help assess traffic patterns and to help engineers make recommendations for possible improvements.

The City of Fort St. John council moved to provide line painting and more signage at the intersection during a committee of the whole meeting in 2018 after looking at options to improve safety.