Highway safety is a daily concern in Squamish, whether you’re commuting to work, driving kids to activities, or heading up the corridor on the weekend. A recent wrong-way driving incident reported by a local resident has renewed the conversation about how we keep each other safe on and around Highway 99. While details of that single event are not the story, the public response to it is: many neighbours are asking what more can be done—by drivers, by the District, and by the Province—to reduce the chance of a similar scare.
Wrong-way incidents are uncommon, but they’re high risk. They typically happen near ramps, complex intersections, or in poor visibility. They can also stem from simple confusion: a missed sign at night, unfamiliarity with an access point, or weather that obscures road markings. No matter the cause, the result can be catastrophic if oncoming traffic doesn’t have time to react. That’s why residents are right to ask whether our current mix of signs, pavement markings, and lighting is doing everything it can to make the intended direction unmistakable—especially at entrances and exits along busy stretches of the Sea to Sky.
In British Columbia, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) is responsible for the signage and design of Highway 99. The Squamish RCMP and the Sea to Sky Traffic Services focus on enforcement and incident response. Together—with input from the District of Squamish—these agencies routinely review safety concerns brought forward by the public. Those reviews can lead to targeted changes such as additional “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs, brighter and larger sign faces where warranted, more frequent placement of directional arrows on pavement, and the use of reflectors that appear red when a driver is travelling in the wrong direction.
Residents may remember that Highway 99 has seen steady upgrades over the past decade and a half, from new median barriers in select locations to rumble strips, improved lighting, and intersection reconfigurations designed to calm speeds and clarify turning movements. The Sea to Sky is unique: it carries heavy commuter traffic, freight, and year-round tourism. Given our geography and weather, the highway’s mix of at-grade intersections and separated segments means drivers encounter different layouts over short distances. That variability makes clear, consistent cues especially important at access points near Squamish and communities just south and north of town.
Local feedback after last week’s wrong-way report has centred on three themes. First, visibility: are the signs large and bright enough at night and in rain or snow? Second, clarity: does the pavement tell a clear story with arrows and centre-line guidance as you approach a highway entrance? Third, predictability: are there design features—like channelized islands, additional delineators, or more prominent “No Entry” sign placement—that would help unfamiliar drivers make the right decision in the first few seconds of an approach?
MOTI’s standard toolbox includes many of these measures, and the Ministry can deploy them as conditions change or as concerns arise. Seasonal factors matter too. Winter grime and snow can obscure signs and markings; spring and summer bring higher visitor volumes and more out-of-town drivers. Regular maintenance—cleaning sign faces, refreshing paint, checking that vegetation hasn’t blocked sightlines—makes a measurable difference. If you notice a damaged or obscured sign, reporting it promptly to the provincial maintenance contractor helps the Ministry address it quickly.
Enforcement and education are the other legs of the stool. The Squamish RCMP and Sea to Sky Traffic Services run targeted enforcement throughout the year, and province-wide initiatives like CounterAttack and distracted driving enforcement aim to reduce the most dangerous behaviours. While police have not yet provided case-specific information on the recent wrong-way report, their general advice is consistent: if you witness a driver travelling in the wrong direction or creating an immediate risk, pull over safely and call 911. Do not attempt to stop or follow the vehicle. If you have a dashcam, preserve the footage; it can help investigators piece together what happened and where corrective measures might help.
Community members also play a role in prevention through everyday choices. Plan routes in advance when using less familiar access points, especially at night or in bad weather. Approach highway entrances slowly enough to confirm lane direction and signage. If you are guiding visitors or lending a vehicle, point out the common access locations and how they connect to Highway 99. Small steps like these lower the risk of last-second errors that can put everyone in harm’s way.
From a planning perspective, the District of Squamish and MOTI can work together to evaluate local access points where concerns recur. An engineering review typically looks at collision history, sightlines, sign inventory and placement, lighting levels, lane geometry, and driver workload at each decision point. The outcome can be as simple as adding a second “Do Not Enter” sign at driver eye level, doubling pavement arrows, or adjusting a sign’s angle and height. In other cases, the answer may be more involved—channelization, larger islands to guide turning movements, or changes to lane alignment to better cue direction.
Given the volume of feedback this past week, a practical next step would be a focused signage and markings audit of the highway entrances most used by Squamish residents, as well as nearby access points in Britannia Beach. A short-term action plan could include quick-refresh items—cleaning and replacing worn or obscured signs, repainting faded arrows, checking reflector orientation—and then, if needed, a second phase of design adjustments. Clear timelines and a way for residents to see what was reviewed, what will change, and when, would go a long way to restoring confidence.
Public awareness can reinforce the physical fixes. A brief, local “Know Your Ramps” campaign—delivered through the District’s channels and community associations—could highlight the most-used access points and the correct approach paths, with seasonal reminders about night and winter driving. Sharing a simple checklist—slow to reading speed on approach, scan for “Do Not Enter/Wrong Way” signs, confirm arrows under your tires before you accelerate—can help drivers build habits that catch mistakes before they happen.
As of publication, official comment from the Squamish RCMP and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on the specific wrong-way report is pending. We have asked both agencies whether any signage or design reviews are already underway at nearby access points and whether additional measures will be considered. We will share updates as soon as they are confirmed.
If you have first-hand information that could assist police with any recent highway safety concern, contact the Squamish RCMP non-emergency line; for immediate hazards, call 911. To report damaged signs, faded markings, or sightline issues on Highway 99, use the provincial maintenance request channels or contact MOTI directly. Safe roads are a shared responsibility. With clear signals, steady enforcement, and everyday care behind the wheel, Squamish can reduce the chance of wrong-way scares and keep our community moving safely.
For future updates on highway safety measures in and around Squamish, follow the Squamish RCMP and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. We will continue to report confirmed changes, timelines, and opportunities for public input as information becomes available.
